Intern in the Event Industry - Zoom Internship
Once upon a covid time, I was an intern under the Michele Fox Gott. I learned an exceptional amount of knowledge that will always remain in my brain. The event industry and the hospitality industry is constantly evolving through technology and catastrophes, and you are always learning and discovering new things or ways whether you have been in the industry for twenty plus years or a couple of months.
From invitations and registries to creating a website and marketing on Instagram (even though I personally do not have social media), I gained an understanding of different technological tools I can utilize to work efficiently, acquired knowledge of different cultures, and improved my communication skills. For example, Michele advised me to be more engaging when calling venues, such as asking how their day was instead of just talking about work. I, as an organized person, strengthened organizational and planning skills by going back to previous to do lists and editing them to update them instead of creating new to do lists. Although I was fortunate to assist with a service agreement (contract or legalities), rental and budget breakdowns, evaluation, and a new club on Clubhouse, the pandemic limited my growth and an abundant amount of knowledge that I could have attained in-person.
My main challenge was (you guessed it) Covid! The pandemic caused delay, but Michele completed work that took longer extra early such as permits and insurance before the actual planning and distribution of the event. Venues were not providing information as quickly as they would due to downsizing and constant new updates on Covid regulations. I could not visit venues with celebrity clients and assist on the day of, and go through the rental breakdown and talk to vendors face to face due to Covid.
Even though I was limited through Zoom, I learned tricks that I would have never thought about. When searching up outdoor wedding venues, looking into caterers is a great way to reach out to venues from one place that are all nearby. Offering water first and then getting fancy with drinks elevates the quality of the event. Moreover, my event vocabulary improved as well. I learned that a charger is the plate under your dinner plate and shantung is a type of fabric. My reaction time to clients was quicker; I got to learn how to communicate with clients and discuss what they want and offer ideas quickly.
Whether you dreamed of coordinating a makeup launch for Kylie Jenner’s latest products, a movie premier at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, a fashion show for Louis Vuitton, or an Insomniac Music Festival, you can still get a job or an internship in the event industry. Assisting in the planning of a wedding for JLo or Zayn Malik or Cardi B’s birthday is still possible despite the pandemic. You will still get to learn so much virtually whether you get experience in a hotel or a corporate and nonprofit event planning company. After all, the sky's the limit!
By Vaidehi Patel - California State University, Long Beach
For your internship opportunity email events@centerofattention.com