Group 4 Post 1- Interview

Here's the interview I did with Chelsea, one of the employees at my internship.  She helped oversee the interns and actually graduated from ASU and the same special events program that I'm getting my certificate in! She's really awesome and knows her stuff!

1. What are your main job responsibilities?
- My main job responsibilities are event production logistics- entailing vendor acquisition and management, city and state permitting, event layout and flow, staffing, transportation, social media, marketing packages etc. 
2. How did you choose this career?
- I enjoyed organizing events in high school and after shadowing some event producers decided I wanted to try it as a career. 
3. What type of education or training is needed for this position?
- EXPERIENCE! There are so many aspects learned in this field that come from experience, not a text book. Internships are the ultimate way to gain experience. The Special Event Management program at ASU is a fantastic training course as well because it is taught by local business owners who educate about what is relevant and important- you WILL use what they teach you in your event position at some point and will be ahead in your position because you are already familiar with it. 
4. What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?
-Internships, shadowing, and volunteering are the most important things you can do when starting out in this field. It is a very unique career and is not for everyone, so gaining experience in different types of events fields such as weddings, festivals, concerts, or corporate is important to see what you like and don't like. Also, everyone knows everyone in this industry so networking is a great to get your foot in the door. 
5. Do you notice any new trends in the field?
-Culinary festivals are becoming a craze and social media is more relevant than ads in newspapers and on the radio. 

After working in a similar position as Chelsea, I don't think I would like to make a whole career out of the events world.  I had a really great time at my internship, and learned more than I could have imagined.  I got to do some things I only dreamed of before.  But I realized how much time and effort is put into an events career.  They work even when they're not at work, and the weekends are almost always eaten up by being at events.  It might sound lazy of me, but I'd prefer a more mellow career, with time to spend with my family!  I might consider it before I settle down with a family, though.  It was an awesome experience.