Millie, a final year BA (Honours) Event Management student at MTU shares her experience as a paid events intern in London in summer 2023, working with Regent’s Events.

Why I applied to work in London with Regent’s Events, for summer 2023.

As clichéd as it sounds, I applied for the internship because I wanted to find my feet in the events industry, helping me figure out what areas I was strong in, before finishing University. The events industry is so broad, I know it is important to find what area you enjoy within events. This was my opportunity, and I have always dreamt of working in a city like London.

I applied for the role as it was the type of events I wanted to do. I had researched the location and the University and what functions they had previously ran. Regent’s, one of London’s top venues offer so many types of events from health conferences to secret garden weddings to boozy fun parties, all in the centre of London. It was also an internship which eased my mind as a student going into the industry for the first time. Regent’s have an outdoor Marquee on their lawns for parties/conferences of up to 2,000 people and 4 main indoor function rooms, that can be running simultaneously.

How you got the role?

I applied for this role online through Indeed, and I had event industry jobs in London turned on since February. I saw this one pop up and knew I wanted it, I wrote a cover letter explaining why I was applying from Ireland and submitted my CV. Several weeks later I received an email to accept a panel interview over Zoom. I accepted of course and very gratefully got offered the opportunity to work with the Regent’s events team.

How you were feeling before starting the internship/ travelling to London?

I was quite reassured after my interview as it went well, I felt it was fitting for me. I was proud of myself for finding and getting offered the job I was so determined to get. I actually did the commute to work 2 days before I started with my friend, so I would know exactly how to get there on time. I also hoped to get the corporate London city vibes, drinks after work, having fun and to be in a fast-paced world, experiencing and learning daily in my job. I wanted to be able to feel confident in my role and make lots of connections. My ambitions were met, and I can’t wait to go back to that world

What did the role at Regent’s Events entail?

My role initially was very operational, so lots of running around – 30,000 steps a day in London summer heat! I enjoyed that part a lot, meeting lots of people. I would have a walkie talkie on my hip, and I communicated loads between all departments – porters, catering, cleaners, clients, and reception, ensuring that jobs were being done on time, as all departments were extremely busy. I was often sent out to do jobs such as setting up giant outdoor games, charging equipment, signage stands and spent every day with a colleague on their event, gaining invaluable knowledge from them.

After the peak season had calmed, I started taking clients queries and creating quotes for their event requirements myself. I was writing up contracts for my own clients and having my own small events. By the end I was entrusted to run two outdoor events on the lawn events by myself, literally being the only event manager on the premises! The buzz on events day (after they’ve run successfully) is an adrenaline rush that’s hard to describe.

Impressions of living and working in central London + joining a fast-paced events company

My first few weeks in London were almost like a fever dream, it was a wave of emotions for me it was tiring trying to settle into an extremely fast paced job and a new fast paced city. I was asleep by 9pm most nights, not glamorous! I was just getting used to the 9-5, let alone doing 7-6 and those extra hours, but that did settle by the end. I was able to go out have fun and enjoy working every day too, even staying late to gain more insight into different functions. Working in central London was very surreal, I had a beautiful walk to work – through Regent’s Park with ducks and ponds. I had an hour commute to work which was tough going at times as I did 5 days in the office. There was always a buzz, tourists, and beautiful buildings to see. London is a fast-paced city, and I did end up being one of those people who put their headphones in and ran for their tube!

Highlights of the internship

I have many highlights from my time at Regent’s, but my main highlight is meeting the people I met, all the teams at Regent’s are just so hard working, especially my events department. No question was ever silly, and they really took me under their wings, they were great mentors. The highlights were the parties I got to get involved in, I was part of food tastings, meetings, risk assessments, wedding meetings, wedding days… the list goes on! I also got huge exposure. I think being the main point of contact to the client was definitely a highlight for me, as its rewarding to have them thank you personally. Every event was so diverse from one day to the next, the experience Regent’s gave me was endless.

What you learned with Regent’s Events?

I have learnt to trust my own gut feeling, or opinion, just say no if its not possible. This does come with some experience. Always listen but don’t be afraid to say you aren’t sure, that you’ll seek advice/help on a certain subject. People do often think event managers know everything; my manager got asked the most absurd things. I often got asked about electricity wiring! In events there will always be last minute changes by the client, whether that be big or small and its again up to you to decide whether it is possible.

I learnt the key is to have strong connections with all departments. Event managers will always rely on others, security, risk managers, health and safety all are part of the decisions you make. Get on board with anything and everything for example blow up balloons, measuring bars and dressing a trestle table (very handy to know!). I’ve also learnt humans are quite basic. People will always notice first if the food and water runs out, or isn’t on time.

How has this experience helped, as you commence your final year of your BA Event Management degree at MTU?

The summer in Regent’s events department has been invaluable to me, the team mentored me and allowed me to have my input and opinions, they really let me be me. I have realised it’s definitely a career for me. Knowing this, allows me to stay focused on my studies, knowing what we learn is applicable to all that happens in the events world. Throughout my time in London I could apply the knowledge I had from my two years in University to my role, and I felt confident to do so.

For more information on the 3 year B.A. (Honours) Event Management degree at MTU click here.. https://linktr.ee/mtueventmanagement

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