Experience DETAILED - Events

Open Day Assistant, Goldsmiths College, London. http://www.gold.ac.uk/opendays/http://www.ndssltd.co.uk/

I was recruited to work at several open days for prospective students and their parents. My responsibilities included setting up the hall; erecting display stands, distributing information material, putting up signs, laying out chairs, packing up at the end etc., welcoming and providing information to visitors, being available to answer any questions or queries, monitoring visitor numbers, assisting visitors with their registration, checking registration upon entry, providing tours of the campus, ensuring security of the building and more as necessary.

I received training for successful tour-guiding, and enhanced my tour providing skills through practise. I was encouraged to develop marketing skills in order to promote the college, whilst remaining honest about my experiences and views. I also gained an insight into the successful running of events, including aspects of preparation, time-management and interaction with/ assistance provided to visitors.

What I enjoyed most about the job: Meeting new people who were interested in similar things to me, and hearing about what they want to do.

What I enjoyed least about the job: When providing tours of the campus, I would often bump into someone I knew who would listen in and smile; it could be slightly embarrassing!

Unlicensed Event Steward, NDSS Ltd. Various Music Festivals. http://www.ndssltd.co.uk/

As an unlicensed steward, my job whilst working at various music festivals (including Download, Sonisphere and V festival) were to assist the SIA security staff to provide a safe, secure environment for all festival-goers. My responsibilities included: checking tickets/wristbands upon entry, supervising dangerous/ restricted areas, checking for banned substances, patrolling areas, working on look out towers, staying in regular contact with my manager via radio and providing regular feedback of issues etc. I worked a 12-hour on, 12-hour off shift pattern for the duration of the festivals.

The work itself was very physical, including staying on your feet for 12 hours; doing a lot of walking or standing still on a look out tower. I gained physical stamina, and disciplining skills. I was required to be assertive, yet friendly with festival-goers. Our ethos was that we wanted to provide a safe, secure environment for all, but we were to remain aware that people paid a lot of money to have fun and enjoy their 'holiday'. I learned how to deal with difficult situations, problem solving, and how to use my initiative in emergency situations. I also gained confidence, and found myself being less vulnerable and sensitive.

What I enjoyed most about the job: Chatting with friendly people at the festival, and observing people being amusing.

What I enjoyed least about the job: Working on a mobile position on night shifts, because it was very cold!

Young Volunteer, Volunteer Centre Greenwich, London. http://www.volunteerscentregreenwich.org.uk/

I acted as a Fund-raising and Events Assistant as part of the European Volunteering Project that ran for the first time in 2004. I contributed to the team by assisting with; organising and running fund-raising events in the local community in order to raise the funds to volunteer abroad; at a donkey sanctuary in Cyprus. This included applying for government and other funding, booking locations, organising staff, marketing and the smooth running of events for all ages in the community including: themed parties, dinner parties, carnivals, pamper sessions, children's workshops, etc. I also volunteered locally in an elderly home, community centre and nursery.

The skills I gained include planning, budgeting and organisational skills. In addition to team-working, interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work with people from all walks of life whilst actively promoting equal opportunities. I also became quite adept at face-painting for children, and working with children in general.

What I enjoyed most about the job: The satisfaction of helping others in the community.

What I enjoyed least about the job: This is difficult as I thoroughly enjoyed the job, but perhaps it'd be the occasional times when our funding applications were turned down.

I have also done aspects of events work in several other of my roles: as a museum assistant, front of house staff in a gallery, hospitality staff at events, organisation of exhibitions as an artist, and other voluntary work including assisting at events at the Royal Court Theatre, helping to distribute water to London marathon runners etc.