What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
This is my 13th year at The MotivAction Group. I’ve been in my current role as project director since 2010.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
After graduating from the University of Bedfordshire I was vice president of the student union. I was responsible for organising student events, fundraising and overseas recruitment. I learnt that a good event communication strategy is key, especially when you’re working with people who are not necessarily from an event background. Many of the people I worked with were volunteers, lending their support to the events. That has stood me in good stead for my career, keeping everyone informed at all times.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
Within my role at the university I found the event industry, fell in love with it and knew it was the career for me.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
I didn’t really plan this path as such, it’s more that it took me on this journey. Historically The MotivAction Group was known as a team-building agency, however as the business diversified into a full-service event agency, it supported and developed my career. I’ve been able to grow and flourish from a trainee to a fully-qualified event professional.
Would you do anything differently?
No, the diversity of my roles here has allowed me to experience all aspects of the event industry and I am now lucky enough to specialise in conferences and incentive travel.
Who has inspired you along the way?
Colleagues from The MotivAction Group and from within the industry. Seeing them develop and manage some amazing relationships and programmes for clients has definitely inspired me. My mum has played a part too. She’s a strong, independent woman which I’m pleased to say has rubbed off on me.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
You could say my last one went spectacularly well, I’m still here 14 years later.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
Doing this job you get to hear a lot of speakers and there’s one quote that has stuck with me which is: "Control the controllables, then deal with everything else." Wise words for an event organiser.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
If you’ve got a passion for something, go for it – and have fun along the way.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
I actually enjoy going to the gym to chill out after work. Other than that it has to be a night with the girls or shopping.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email news editor Samantha Edwards to feature in a future How I Got Here.
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