Browse Upskilled
Find a course
Your career
SkillsTalk
FAQs
About
Contact us
Student login
Search Upskilled
FLASH SALE - 30% OFF
Social Media Short Course
Call us on
1300 009 924
Student login
Find a course
Your career
SkillsTalk
FAQs
About
Q&A
Student Q&A: Tania Laguna
Business Faculty Student - Event Management
Events & Tourism
Editor's note: Upskilled is currently not taking enrolments for Event Management. Please contact us on 1300 009 924 to discuss other course options.
Tania is an Upskilled online student
who recently completed the popular SIT50316 -
Diploma of Event Management
. She decided to gain formal qualifications in event management as she often plans events within her role as an EA for CSR Limited. Here, she shares her study experience, and how it was to learn with Upskilled.
How did you find your course in Event Management?
It was good; I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning because I haven’t studied for a long time, but once I started my course, it was exciting, and getting through each unit made me feel more confident.
What made you decide to do this online course?
I do a lot of event management at work, including organising the Christmas party for 150 people every year. I also arrange conferences and other events throughout the year. I thought that getting formal qualifications in events would be in line with my objectives for the year, and my manager was happy for me to do the course, so I thought why not?
Was studying a suggestion from your management team?
Actually, I suggested it because my manager asked me to look for courses online, and I found Upskilled, so thought that the SIT50316 -
Diploma of Event Management
would be a good option to pursue.
What industry are you in, Tania?
I am an Executive Assistant to the New South Wales management team for
CSR
, a company that manufactures Gyprock and Fibre Cement Sheets. “We’re the Gyprock people.” Being a large company, we attend and hold many conferences.
What’s the general format of your events? Do they range in size and location?
Yes, definitely. We hold something called the NSW Residential Customer Function which we hold each year for up to a 150 people; our top clients. We invite the VIP’s of each company that we supply stock to, and we look for different places each year to make sure it’s a successful event and that the attendees have fun.
For example, one year we managed to arrange a very successful function, it was held at the Carrington Hotel. Our guests were invited to stay overnight in the hotel. The food was magnificent and the entertainment was wonderful. We hired Frankie J. Holden and his group. It was a 1950s theme. It was a great event and a very successful one! It helped that most of our clients ranged in age from 40s to 70s, so they could all comprehend the theme and they loved it.
Since you’ve been involved in putting on events, what are some of the biggest challenges that people in the industry might overlook?
First and foremost, the thing that I always suggest is to have a back-up plan. I always book a space that has an indoor and outdoor space. For example, last year I arranged our Christmas party for December, when the weather is supposed to be beautiful and hot.
However, on the day, it rained. Everything that I arranged for the outside space, (such as props) I could still use inside. So, we just had the event inside rather than outside; no one got wet and we didn’t have to cancel it.
Is there a lot of follow up that goes with planning an event?
Yes, as well as pre-planning! I always have a pre-meeting and taste testing because if the food is not up to scratch, then the event won’t be as successful.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of doing this course?
My advice would be to make sure you open and read the links for the coursework. If you don’t follow up, read and listen to them, it won’t help you along the way.
I found that whilst I was listening to all the trainers and all the videos online, they really helped me in getting through the course and answering the questions correctly. I advise everyone to make sure that they’d actually do listen to the videos and follow what they say.
What are a skills an event manager needs to have?
You need to be outgoing
Be able to talk to people
Have good communication skills
Ability to follow up
Have the type of personality that drives and has excitement for planning events
Is there anything else you wanted to add?
Yes, you need a lot of support from your family and friends because sometimes there are bits of the subjects that you have to go through that require support.
I get a lot of support from my husband because he’s good with maths and financial topics but the main person that I could rely on was
Gideon Roos
, my trainer. He was there at my beck and call, always helpful. I can’t really thank him enough. If it wasn’t for him, and if I didn’t have his support, I think I would have found the course more difficult, but he is just the best, very knowledgeable. He is always available and so helpful.
Learn more about Event Management
Check out Upskilled’s
Event Management Industry Insight
for information on salary, job prospects, skills required and more. Find out what an
Event Manager
does in Upskilled’s
Job Role and careers
section.
Upskilled also has a range of
online courses in Event Management
.
View all Q&A
Upskill for the career you love.
Talk to an Education Consultant about which course is best suited for you
Get in touch
1300 009 924
Enquire now
Start your next course with Upskilled. Enter your details in the form below.
Upskilled Course
Student Support
What best describes you:
*
What best describes you?
I'm starting my career
I'm looking to change careers
I'm returning to work
I'm looking for a promotion
I want to expand my skillset
I'm none of the above
First Name:
*
Last Name:
*
Email:
*
Phone:
*
Comments:
Contact Name:
*
Email:
*
Phone:
*
Description:
*By providing your information, you agree to our
Privacy Policy
and to receiving email and other forms of communication from Upskilled. You are able to opt-out at any time.
×
Processing