1Hello Dr Green,
2I'm here to talk to you about my work placement.
3Oh yes, it's Holly, isn't it?
4Yes.
5So, which work placement have you chosen?
6I decided to go for the Orion Stadium placement.
7The event I'll be managing is one where I'm helping to set up a sports competition for primary school children.
8Yup. That's always a popular placement,
9even though it can be tougher than you think working with children.
10I know, but it's the fresh air that attracts me,
11organising something indoors doesn't have the same appeal,
12even though it might be fun.
13OK, so obviously safety's going to be one of your key concerns for this event.
14Yes, I've already thought about that.
15I'll need to make sure none of the equipment's damaged.
16Ah well, you'll be working with schools, so the equipment will be their responsibility.
17However, the grounds and what goes on there will be yours.
18Oh I see,
19that'll include keeping everyone within the boundary once they're in their kit and on the field?
20Exactly,
21you'll need to inspect areas like changing rooms as well for anything someone can trip over,
22but your main priority will be not to lose anyone!
23Right.
24I'll need staff to help with that.
25And don't forget about the spectators.
26I was thinking that many of them will be parents, who could help run the event.
27I wouldn't rely on that.
28They'll be more interested in filming their children than volunteering.
29I'll need to make sure they don't interfere with events doing that!
30And that's not always easy,
31especially when a proud parent's trying to get a snap of their child
32and you want them to move elsewhere.
33OK.
34What about the scheduling?
35With sporting events there are all sorts of things that can alter the timetable,
36like rain, for instance, though so far, we've always been lucky with that.
37Yeah, and I was thinking about what to do if someone got hurt as well.
38I know that last year that caused a terrible delay.
39You have to be prepared for such things.
40Oh. What if a match ends in a draw,
41do you let the teams keep going until someone wins?
42That'll be up to you,
43and again, you need to plan for it.
44Right.
45Now, the aim of your work placement is to give you the opportunity to develop the skills that an events manager needs.
46So, let's talk about those a bit.
47Well, I think my communication skills are pretty good.
48I can talk on the phone to people and book venues and that kind of thing.
49Good, just remember it isn't only about what you say.
50If you meet someone face-to-face and want to persuade them to be a sponsor, for example...
51Oh, I'll dress up for that! Sure.
52Good.
53Let's go on to think about your organisational skills.
54You're working in a very people-based industry
55and that means things won't always go to plan.
56I guess it's being prepared to make changes that matters.
57That's right.
58You may have to make an on-the-spot change to a timetable because of a problem you hadn't anticipated...
59...just do it! OK
60How's your time management these days?
61I'm working on it,
62I'm certainly better when I have a deadline, which is why this work suits me.
63Yes, but it's how you respond as that deadline approaches!
64I know I've got to look calm even if I'm in a panic.
65Just think to yourself,
66no one must know I'm under pressure.
67Yeah, even though I'm multi-tasking like crazy!
68Another skill that events managers need is creativity.
69Often your client has what we call the 'big picture' idea,
70but it's up to the events manager to think of all the fine points that go to making it work.
71Right, so I need to listen carefully to that idea and then fill in all the gaps.
72That's right.
73And you'll have a team working under you,
74so another key skill is leadership.
75Your team may have lots of ideas too,
76but you've got to make the ultimate choices.
77Do we have refreshments inside or out, for example?
78Isn't it better to be democratic?
79It's a nice idea, but you have the ultimate responsibility.
80So, believe in what you think best.
81Be prepared to say 'yes', that's a good idea but it won't work here.
82I see what you mean.
83What about the networking side of things?
84I know it's an area that a lot of students worry about
85because we don't have much experience to offer others.
86But even without it, you can still be an interesting person with useful ideas.
87And the more people you impress, the better.
88I guess that will help me when I apply for a real job.
89Exactly, think ahead, remember what your ambitions are and keep them in mind.
90Definitely.