 |
|
|
Associate Experiences - profile 1
Name: Rachel Evans
Position: Operations Executive - Manchester
How long have you worked for Showsec?
I have been with the company for nearly 4 years. I started as a steward in Nottingham.
Why did you apply to join the Academy?
I had progressed to supervisor and wanted to become more involved with the planning and running of events as well as generating the relationships with different clients. The Academy was a great opportunity to learn all the skills needed to take the extra step and gain the knowledge to become an operations executive.
During the year you attended a number of events, which one did you learn the most from and why?
All of the events we attended were different and skills were gained from each of them. If I had to choose one then it would have to be Creamfields. I hadn’t really worked with tented structures before so this was a good opportunity to learn different ingress and egress techniques for different sized tents.
What did you enjoy most during your time on the Academy?
As well as travelling around and working the different events, the development of the relationships with other managers and supervisors has been invaluable. Getting to know the people you are working with has been really important when long shifts and tiredness are involved. It has also helped me with my move to Manchester. I can’t forget the other associates in Academy 1. Spending time with them has been special and I miss them all now we are in separate parts of the country. The feeling of achievement at the end was also an amazing experience.
What was the hardest part of the years programme for you and why?
Probably the hardest was managing my time, having to juggle shifts with coursework etc. The usual thing you would find when taking a course and also living out of a suitcase during the summer festival season. I really craved my bed some nights. Finally presentations, it wasn’t my strongest skill at the beginning of the programme but I’ve done so many of them now. It’s just about getting used to them and the 3 P’s - planning, planning and planning.
How has the Academy prepared you for your operational executive’s role in Manchester?
It has prepared me really well. I’ve already mentioned the relationships but also the operational knowledge that I learnt in the Academy I have been putting it all to practice in Manchester.
What would you say to anyone interested in joining the Academy?
Do it. It’s an amazing experience and a job like no other. I wouldn’t work behind a desk 9 to 5 ever. The experience of being at an event, having the knowledge to run it and knowing how everything fits together to make it happen is the best feeling in the world.
Associate Experiences - profile 2
Name: Simon Howard – Academy 2 Associate
How long have you worked for Showsec?
Since 16th October 2008
What did you do before joining Showsec’s Academy?
Before joining the Academy I was in the hospitality and events industry, most recently as assistant operations manager at the Kassam stadium in Oxford. My role was to assist the stadium manager in running the conference/events and exhibition centre with a team of up to 20 staff depending on the size of the event. Events varied from product launches to annual company conference to Gala dinners. I also helped run the hospitality for Oxford United’s home games, this included catering for 30 hospitality boxes, director’s lounge, sponsors restaurant and the stadiums three public bars. Before this I worked at a large 4 Star Hotel and Spa near to the Silverstone motor racing circuit. I started as a part time worker and worked through the ranks to manager of the conference and events centre, working on events such as the British Grand Prix.
What attracted you to apply to join the Academy?
I had been looking for a career change for sometime and was approached by a recruitment company who drew my attention to Showsec’s Academy. It sounded like a really exciting and varied challenge, something I had been looking for, plus I had always wanted to be involved in the live events industry. I attended the Selection Centre in Manchester which was a real challenge, but thankfully one I passed. Then I was invited to have a more detailed chat with the Academy manager, Keith Hackett. He explained the objectives of the Academy, how it would include operational experience and how it fitted into Showsec’s future development. After the chat my mind was made up.
What did you enjoy most during your time on the Academy?
I would say the highlight so far for me was the teambuilding week in the Derbyshire which included Academy 1 and 2. The week was mainly designed to improve our teambuilding and leadership skills, but also included operational inputs from a number of senior managers – the fact that they took the time to join us really demonstrated to me their commitment. As a result of the week I felt the activities and lessons learnt emphasised the need for effective planning and close teamwork something which will prepare us for the summer festival season ahead.
Having not worked in the industry before joining the Academy, what has been the hardest thing to adjust to so far and why?
I would say the hardest thing to adjust to so far would be the working hours - this is not a 9-5 job!
What would you say to anyone interested in joining the Academy?
If you are passionate about the music/live events industry and more importantly people, then this could be one of the best opportunities you could ever come across. The more you are willing to put into it the more you will get out of it.
Simon has now passed through the Academy and is serving his probation period in London.
|
|
|
|
|
