Towards the end of 2019, the Event Management program at Central Michigan University was named #1 in the country. This was an incredible accomplishment for our faculty and department as a whole.
When I first heard the news, I burst in to tears. Originally, I was not supposed to end up at CMU. By luck, I ended up at a University that made me feel I belonged no where else but here. Following that, I happened to stumble upon the REM department and immediately signed it as my major.
Instantly I grew so passionate for the industry, the program and everyone in it. Then all of a sudden the department happens to be named #1 in the country? I don’t know if thats God or luck or what! But I can not get over it.
Along the way of my journey through event management, the director of Events and Conference Services came to speak in one of my classes about her story and of her current job at ECS. She mentioned that they were hiring for the past summer. I applied, interviewed and unfortunately, did not get the job.
Months later, I decided to reach out and offer my time to help them around the office as a volunteer. They were so impressed by my persistence, that they brought me back in for another interview. This time… I got it.
It is without a doubt, the hardest job I have ever had. It took me months to feel like I knew what I was doing. Now, I have developed amazing relationships with all of my co-workers, gained so much experience, made so many connections and finally conquered my duties at the office.
Today, I interviewed the Assistant Director at my office, who was also a CMU REM alumni. We discussed preparations for the position she is in now, as well as some insight into her daily work in her position.
Here, you will find the link to the interview. Enjoy! https://soundcloud.com/maddie_cole12/final-podcast-interview
Madison Cole: JRN102 