Through a new programme for senior school pupils called Career Ready, I received a five-week internship here at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
The main point of the programme is to allow pupils like myself to gain experience as to what it is like in a working place and getting us ready for what is ahead of school.
It has really helped me and I feel as though I am ready to go out into the working world.
I began meeting the events team leader Kim Stephen last September to have quick catch-ups.
We were able to ask each other various different questions which helped us get to know each other better.
As the time got closer towards the internship, Kim was able to give me advice and information about what was coming up.
I’ve got to admit that I was very nervous before starting.
I had no idea what it would be like and what kind of people I would be working with – turns out I had nothing to be nervous about.
At the Chamber, everyone works as a team so we are constantly interacting with each other which makes it easier to get to know everyone.
I’ve had the chance to work with some great people.
I have gained a lot of different experiences through the internship from the events industry.
It is a little bit like what I expected but not really.
I’ve learned how to use different software systems such as Rubi and Mailchimp that I never even knew existed.
I’ve also managed to network with various different delegates from different organisations who have attended our events, a lot of the delegates were very interested in the Career Ready programme and I believe are looking into it.
Most of the events I attended were completely different to what I expected (especially the Teamwork in Tough Times Business Breakfast – however I have been advised that they are not all like this so I will take everyone’s word for it).
I thought most of the events would have been quite difficult for me to actually sit through, the only reason for this was that I thought I wouldn’t understand what the speakers were talking about, however once again I was wrong.
The internship has helped me understand the benefits of working as a team instead of individually.
It has also shown me how demanding the events industry is as it is constant.
I feel I still have some progressing to do before I get into a full time job but hopefully I will gain the experience and confidence I need through the Events Management (HND) College Course that I will hopefully be starting at the end of August if I get the right exam results – fingers crossed!!