Typing this on a packed rush hour train, the urge to write this introduction exclusively using emojis or the artistic form of Gifs is quite overwhelming. So apart from being a London-based event professional, and non-ironic emoji user, who exactly am I?
I’m Caitlin- a 23-year-old past Events Management student from the University of Gloucestershire, who currently works in the field of .
Along with having completed a four-year degree, and currently working within the events industry, I was one of the final five in the 2014 Eventice competition, an experience that I credit to being the major reason I now work at GPJ. It was also one of the most eye-opening and worthwhile experiences I’ve ever done in terms of my own professional development, but also in understanding the depth of this industry.
I write an award-winning events blog – aptly named I’m a Damn Student, What Do I Know? The focus is on giving honest advice to events students, on what is it actually like to study an events degree. I also try and share stories and experiences in the attempt to make sure you don’t have to go through the same scenarios. I personally think learning from others is where the greatest skills come from.
And to top it all off I am also an ISES UK Education Committee member. Which fundamentally means I spend a lot of my time engaging with the events industry, and more specifically engaging with you guys -event students.
I understand what it’s like to be in your position. I’ve been through the ups and downs of the degree. I also know what it is like taking your first step into the industry, from being rejected for jobs, figuring out exactly what I want to do, and attempting to navigate myself around the variety of different areas the industry covers.
All of this has pushed me, alongside many other event professionals and academics, into wanting to help bridge the gap between what is taught on degrees and what the industry actually needs from graduates.
So that’s a little about me and my relationship with the events industry. As you might be able to tell it is an area I’m extremely passionate about (that and coffee, pugs and Taylor Swift!)
Got a question for Caitlin? Email event.magazine@haymarket.com with the subject 'Student Hub agony aunt'.
Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine by .