What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I joined Vision Nine in 2010 as part of my university sandwich year, only to return to Vision Nine after completing my course with a first class honours degree in events management. It has been two years at the company and my fifth season of promoting and producing three medium-sized festivals; NASS, Boardmasters and Freeze.
In my role I work with the event director, assisting in developing and managing the delivery of each festival to ensure consumer and business objectives are successfully met. I work closely with all departments; through the creative processes, content management and talent booking, to the onsite logistics. It’s great as I am constantly learning new skills at Vision Nine as I now not only work on festivals, but also other events on the agency side including projects for Burn Energy at Air and Style in Austria, Relentless Energy Drink Live and talent booking for the Youth Hostel Association.
Where was your first job?
Like most, my first proper job was as a waitress at the Waterfront restaurant in Plymouth. I loved it as earning gave me my first taste of independence.
What was the most important thing you learnt there?
Customer care is essential for any service provider. You need people who are enthusiastic, friendly and are motivated to do a good job, leading to a great atmosphere. Also, learning how to carry four plates at a time.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
As geeky as it may sound, I didn’t want to go to university for the sake of it. I wanted to make sure I was going to choose a course I was going to pursue as a career and I knew I had to be involved with music in some capacity. I started attending festivals at a young age which sparked my desire to aim for a career in this industry. I am extremely ambitious so through a lot of hard work and a slice of good fortune I am now part of a company that organise some of the best festivals and events in the UK.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
I knew I would be working within festivals but, if I am honest, I wasn’t expecting to have my dream job so quickly. There is only a small passionate team of us working on the festivals all year round. From being a placement student to having a full-time role at Vision Nine, I have seen the festivals grow and develop. The other day I was having lunch in Marks & Spencer with a friend and overheard a group talking about going to Boardmasters. Those moments are incredible as you’re constantly putting your all into the events to make them the best they can possibly be and seeing them being recognised is priceless.
Would you do anything differently?
If I would change anything I would have travelled for longer in my gap year. It’s so important to see other cultures and it creatively opens your eyes, lending itself to working in events.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
No bad interviews spring to mind, they have all been relatively good. They are always nerve-racking as you ultimately need to sell yourself, which many people find hard. Make sure you ask the interviewee questions as it shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the company.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
You need to get yourself out there, it's that simple. Get mingling and get to know people as a lot of the time it’s who you know and the relationships you make in events that are so important.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
First of all I would give myself a pat on the back for the determination I showed when I was 21. All those emails and phone calls to get a year placement at Vision Nine… without that, I wouldn’t be here now. Anything is possible so never give up, say yes to as much as you can, as it will only help you grow.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
I cycle into work so this helps to clear the mind on the way home. Meeting up with friends and having a good hearty meal as I am a massive foodie, finished off with some salted popcorn and tunes! I’ve started getting into running which is another great way to wind down.
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.
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