Role: Parity INTRO Graduate
Company: Parity
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
I work within the marketing department of a telecommunications company managing their global events, where I could find myself working anywhere from Johannesburg and Paris, to New York.
Is it 9-5?
Day-to-day I usually work 9-5, however most of my team is based in the US, so I can find myself working later hours. When travelling for events it is usually a 24/7 gig, meeting with the organisers, setting up for the event, and then team and customer networking dinners, but I love it and it is all a part of the learning experience!
How did you get into this line of work?
I knew I always wanted to work within Events and PR, and when this opportunity appeared on NI Jobs through Parity I had to apply, especially when it mentioned worldwide travel! A few friends had come through the Parity experience and always spoke highly of it. I knew adding the knowledge of a Management diploma to my current BSc Public Relations degree would be invaluable in any place of work.
Outline your career to date?
I’ve worked since I was 16 in mostly clothing stores and doing volunteer advertising and events posts. I took a placement year in the third year of my degree and worked in Dell Computers as a social media, events and internal communications intern. Throughout my last year of university I worked in the events team at Coca-Cola. These experiences helped me establish a clear idea and focus of where I wanted to begin to build a future career.
The Parity ‘INTRO’ programme introduced me into the world of full-time employment and gave me the essential guidance to take control of my imminent profession decisions. Luckily for me, a position within BroadSoft opened two months after I graduated and the hiring process was very quick. I began my role as a PA and assisted in events and now after completing my Parity course, I have progressed in my role to Global Event Manager, which is a new promotion that will give me the opportunity to be based in the Washington DC for the next few months.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
I graduated university with a second class honours in Public Relations and a Diploma of Professional Practice. In September, I began my Parity course and completed a Diploma in Management.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
The role I am currently in requires dedication and a passion for what you do. I have always had high career dreams, and I am one of those annoying people who can say they love their job. I believe if you do not set high standards, you can never expect to achieve them. Personally, you need to be motivated, hard-working and have a hunger to learn. Professionally, to be an events manager you need to be organised, and have strong people and communication skills. My job relies a lot on other people and so maintaining relationships is key! The Parity INTRO course gave my peers and myself the opportunity to classify and improve our own management style, managing people, work and most importantly ourselves.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
I have the mindset that every challenge presents an opportunity. Each challenge I encounter when planning for an event creates a new learning. So for example, when managing an event, either hosting or showcasing, there is a multitude of ‘challenges’ such as last minute people are unable to attend, the venue is not how we expected or factors outside my control such as a terrorist attack happening in Paris the week before my event. Being able to forecast and create contingencies will help ward off these problems in the future.
The greatest rewards of my job would have to be having increased ownership of my own work. BroadSoft is a company that grows their own and harvests opportunities for graduates. I have the opportunity to travel to countries I may not have the chance to otherwise and meet inspirational people who I can look to for mentorship and career progression.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to plan trips away with my boyfriend, family and friends. I also like to read, blog and socialize.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I don’t know anyone else in the world who spells their name the same way as me!
Who has inspired you most in your life?
Easily, my mother has inspired me most in my life. We are so similar and different in many ways, but most of my good attributes come from her. Since I was younger she has always armed me with the courage to accomplish anything I want to. She is the most caring and down-to-earth person I know and always will be open, honest and respectful of my ideas and dreams. I once heard that you are the product of the closest five people in your life, so I always try to surround myself with people who support and help me grow, and I try to do this for them too!