In early June, I came across an events company on Twitter and after doing some research, I contacted them for an informational interview. The principal got back to me right away and suggested that I volunteer at one of their events the next week to learn more about the company.
I went to the event full of anticipation. I thought that this would be a great way to get to know the team while doing something fun. The event was well put together and the participants enjoyed themselves. However, the principal, who planned the event, left after 10 minutes and didn’t return. I thought it was a little bit strange that the actual planner of the event only showed up for 10 minutes but what did I know? After all, she did leave a person to coordinate the event on-site.
After the event, I emailed the principal thanking her for the opportunity and inquired further about their hiring process to join their team as an events planner. She promised to send me a package that would explain everything further. A few days later, I received the aforementioned package. The first step to getting hired was volunteering at their events for a full 24 hours. After that, you get bumped to event support staff which paid minimum wage. After working 24 events, they would then bump you up to event coordinator. As far as I could tell, there was no increase in responsibilities, it was simply a title promotion and a $2 salary raise. After working 36 events, they would then bump you up to event manager which in reality is simply the on-site coordinator. The package mentioned nothing about the process of actually planning events so I asked the principal for clarification. She told me that she’s the only one in the company that plans events. Her team is there for on-site coordination and support only.
At the rate of 1-2 events a month, it could realistically take 2 years before you become an ‘event manager’ and you STILL wouldn’t have a part in planning the events. I don’t mind working from the bottom up but there has to be a clear path to my end goal, which is becoming a successful events planner. With this company, I saw no way of reaching that goal anytime soon.
For me, it is very important to ensure that any company I’m interested in has a clear path of growth and development for their team. I want companies to expect the most from their employees and to give them opportunities to succeed and develop. I want companies to believe in their teams and give them the tools to become the best they can be.
I don’t think that’s a lot to ask. After all, what company wouldn’t want an employee who wants to reach their fullest potential?
Priscilla Chan 