Whether you are fresh out of school or are on your second (or third) career, do you remember how you felt when you got your first job in your chosen field?  I sure do.  It was just over 20 years ago (yikes!), I was a senior in college and fighting for one of very few internship positions available with advertising agencies in Southern California. 

I had done everything I knew I needed to do to put myself in the running for the few coveted internships.  I was graduating with honors, had recommendations from professors, was involved in the University's Ad Club and had even coordinated tours of the best LA and Orange County advertising agencies.  Still, there was no guarantee I would secure a position in the highly competitive field of advertising.  The odds were against me, as few actually got into the ad world, but I always believed I would get exactly what I wanted.  The last piece of the puzzle was now within my reach.  I knew if I could just get an internship with an agency, I could show them what I had to offer.  I could show them what I had learned in class and they would not be able to resist hiring me! LOL

Well, I did get the internship and they did hire me, but I learned that I knew very little about how the world of advertising actually worked!  Oh sure, I knew what all the terms meant and how to write a marketing and advertising plan, but I hadn't learned the intricacies of working with clients. Nor had I experienced the process and flow of jobs in an agency. It was the everyday practical work, the act of actually doing it that was the key to understanding my chosen career.  I am so grateful for the people in the agency who took me under their wings to give me that solid foundation. The importance of their role in my early career is greater than they will ever know. Can you relate?

This month I am featuring an article written by a successful event producer in Sacramento, CA.  I met Kevin at BizBash LA this past spring and we have become fast friends.  It was during one of our marathon conversations that I learned about his passion for mentoring young planners.  His commitment in this area mirrors my own as this is a program I plan to develop within the EPA.  The information he provides will assist you in creating your own internship program should you have an interest.  If you already have such a program, I would love to hear your tips for success in this area.  Please email me.

Warmest Regards,

Kim

Kim Sullivan
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Event Planners Association
ksullivan@eventplannersassociation.com
www.eventplannersassociation.com

Blog: The Event Planner's Guide Book