When I was hired to intern at a public relations agency, I had no idea what to expect. Thanks to The Devil Wears Prada, I pictured myself going on coffee runs and photocopying 9-to-5. In reality, I was responsible for organizing major events for national clients. More importantly, I was lucky enough to work in an environment where my managers trusted me, assigned me tasks that motivated me and helped to develop my self-confidence.

The world of event management is fast-paced. Plans are constantly evolving because of client requests and new ideas. Even when you feel totally prepared, there will always be last-minute details that you will have to manage on the fly. That being said, as I became more comfortable in my role, I came to the conclusion that there are a few constants, which are fundamental to event planning success:

Frequent Check-Ins

Communication is key; especially when organizing events where multiple people and parties are involved. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, we held daily meetings to discuss the status and action plan for each client event.

The Event Toolbox

A properly stocked toolbox is a lifesaver! At first, I underestimated it. I didn’t expect that over the course of my internship, it would become my go-to survival kit to get me out of any sticky situation. From rolls of wire to glass cleaner, it was packed with solutions for any mishap or emergency that you could encounter.

Mission Impossible

We often face seemingly impossible tasks. For example, we might need to book a venue fit for a king on a pauper’s budget, or somehow pack  all the event’s décor into a single suitcase.  It may seem daunting at first, but it just means that you have to put on your James Bond tux and get a little bit creative.

If you are interested in getting into event planning, put your stapler away and prepare to get your hands dirty. Hopefully, these tips will help you get a head-start in your career, because even as an intern, you will play a vital role on the team. Now you know to communicate, plan for the unexpected, and be resourceful to fully reap the rewards of watching your ideas come to life. Communicate, plan for the unexpected, and be resourceful, and you too can be part of bringing your team’s ideas to life.

Mélody Dorval