Congratulations! You've landed an event production internship, a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry and gain valuable experience. But how can you make the most of it? Here are some tips to help you succeed as an event production intern.
Before you start your internship, think about what you want to achieve and learn from it. Do you want to develop specific skills, such as audiovisual, logistics, or marketing? Do you want to network with professionals and mentors in the field? Do you want to explore different types of events and roles? Write down your goals and share them with your supervisor, so they can help you find the best opportunities and projects to match your interests and aspirations.
Make sure you know what aspects of production you want to focus on developing, and know whether a hands on position is what you want. It’s not an office job as many people mistakenly assume.
Don't wait for tasks to be assigned to you. Show initiative and enthusiasm by asking questions, offering suggestions, and volunteering for challenges. Look for ways to add value to the team and the event, whether it's by doing research, finding solutions, or creating content. Be flexible and adaptable, and be ready to take on different responsibilities and learn new things. You'll impress your supervisor and colleagues, and you'll gain more confidence and skills.
Learn as much as you can from the practical application of your skill set, and embrace the differences between what you learned in the classroom and what needs to be done in the field. The preceptor is a valuable resource for real world knowledge. Don’t take it for granted.
One of the best ways to improve as an event production intern is to seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Ask them how you're doing, what you're doing well, and what you can do better. Listen to their constructive criticism and advice, and apply it to your work. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from them and avoid repeating them. Also, give feedback to others, and show appreciation for their support and guidance.
Never be afraid to ask questions, just be sure to learn how to read the moment and figure out how and when to ask. Emotional intelligence is a critical component to this, and contrary to popular misconceptions, it can be learned if you WANT to learn.
Event production is a collaborative and social industry, so building relationships is essential. Get to know your team members, and show interest in their work and backgrounds. Communicate effectively and respectfully, and be a team player. Network with other interns, professionals, and vendors, and exchange contacts and insights. Attend events and workshops related to event production, and join online communities and forums. You'll expand your knowledge, connections, and opportunities.
Your relationships are the key to developing your skills, and promoting your long term goals. Leave the personal problems at home and allow the work to be your safe-space. Pleasant people are more approachable, and will be remembered when opportunities present themselves.
As an event production intern, you'll be involved in various aspects of planning, executing, and evaluating events. Document your work by taking notes, photos, videos, and testimonials. Keep track of your tasks, achievements, and challenges. Create a portfolio or a blog to showcase your work and reflect on your learning. This will help you measure your progress, identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Last but not least, have fun as an event production intern. Enjoy the creative and dynamic process of bringing events to life, and celebrate the outcomes and impacts. Express your passion and personality, and have a positive attitude. Be curious and open-minded, and embrace new experiences and perspectives. You'll have a rewarding and memorable internship that will shape your career and future.
Have fun within the bounds of the work. Let the work entertain you by doing your best, never try to make it for your own agenda.