To pursue this passion, I started taking on small-scale event planning roles, such as assisting with weddings and organizing gatherings like karaoke party. In these roles, I focused on developing key skills like communication, organization, and teamwork. For instance, during a wedding event, I coordinated with multiple vendors, ensured timelines were met, and provided on the spot problem-solving to address last-minute changes. My proactive approach and attention to detail ensured the event ran smoothly, creating a positive experience for everyone involved.

My contributions not only enhanced the success of these events but also reinforced my decision to become a professional event organizer. These experiences also motivated me to focus on specializing in sustainable event management, aiming to minimize environmental impacts while delivering exceptional results.

Teamwork is a critical skill for my career, as collaborating effectively with others is essential in my chosen field. My understanding of teamwork began during my school years, particularly when playing basketball tournaments with my classmates. I remember the excitement of executing our carefully planned strategies. These experiences taught me the value of coordination and trust within a team, which often led us to victory and collective happiness.

At university, teamwork became even more significant. Our tutors often assigned group tasks that required collaboration. While working on team presentations, I contributed by sharing ideas and receiving feedback. Initially, I was apprehensive about feedback, fearing negative criticism. However, I learned that feedback whether positive or constructive is a valuable tool for growth and improvement.

Looking ahead, I aim to enhance my teamwork skills by initiating regular brainstorming sessions in professional settings. This will foster an environment of open communication, idea-sharing, and mutual support, which are essential elements of effective collaboration.

Communication skills:

The outcome underscores the importance of refining communication skills to enhance thoughtfulness and effectiveness. Communication has been a vital aspect of my life, particularly in my diverse work experiences, such as retail positions where daily verbal interactions were commonplace. I've found that active listening and continuous engagement lead to successful conversations.

I've observed that when I show genuine interest in others, their facial expressions become more animated, which in turn makes our interactions more enjoyable. In academic settings, tutors encourage communication by posing questions and allowing time for responses.

To further develop this skill, I've participated in group exercises during professional development classes. Additionally, I've joined specific LinkedIn groups, like those focused on Events, to broaden my network and improve my communication abilities in various professional contexts.

These experiences have reinforced the value of effective communication in both personal and professional spheres, highlighting its role in building relationships, fostering understanding, and achieving success in collaborative environments.

Positive work ethic:

 When I started my new job at a warehouse, I quickly realized the importance of putting forth my best effort. This position felt like the right choice for me because it not only provided better pay than other opportunities but also offered flexibility from the managers, which was invaluable. As a university foundation student, I approach every new challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and move closer to my long-term goals.

I strongly believe in the continuous development of my intelligence, personality, and character. Adopting the principles of the growth mindset theory, as outlined by Dweck (2017), has shaped my approach to both personal and professional challenges. This mindset encourages me to embrace uncertainties, tackle difficult tasks, and view failures as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks.

By maintaining this perspective, I remain motivated to adapt and improve, no matter the obstacles I face. Whether in academic settings or the workplace, I am committed to refining my skills, expanding my knowledge, and striving for excellence in every aspect of my life. With a growth mindset, I am confident that I can navigate the complexities of my career and achieve meaningful success.

Leadership skills:

In the warehouse, I was the first in line to lead the group, and I succeeded. I promoted open communication, delegated tasks based on strengths, and maintained a positive team spirit. I found this job difficult because it was the first time I had to do it. Despite the challenges, I exceeded the targets set, showing that I can lead and inspire a team under pressure.

1.     Communication:

Effective communication is crucial for successful event management. When organizing an event, clear communication within the team ensures everyone understands their roles and expectations. Adhering to deadlines and time constraints is vital, and poor communication can lead to event failure. Event staff must work both collaboratively and independently to ensure smooth operations and attendee satisfaction.

While digital communication is prevalent, phone calls can be more personal and effective for addressing urgent issues and building relationships. This approach can help avoid misunderstandings that may arise from text-based communications. A strong, responsive team with good communication skills is essential for both in-person and virtual events, as it enhances engagement and networking opportunities.

Ultimately, effective communication is key to event success, impacting everything from planning to execution and post-event relationships. (Streetpr, 2022)

2.     Teamwork

According to Alan (2021) event management thrives on effective teamwork, transforming complex challenges into successful experiences. A collaborative team distributes workload, reduces individual stress, and brings diverse skills and perspectives to problem-solving. By sharing responsibilities and maintaining open communication, team members can quickly adapt to unexpected situations, generate innovative solutions, and create memorable events. The collective expertise of a motivated team ensures comprehensive planning, creative thinking, and efficient execution, making teamwork the cornerstone of exceptional event organization.

3.     Leadership skills:

Leadership skills are essential in guiding a team toward the event's goals, ensuring alignment and effective execution. Strong leaders in event management navigate challenges, allocate resources wisely, and remain composed under pressure. Beyond delegating tasks, they inspire, mentor, and foster collaboration, turning challenges into opportunities. In the dynamic world of event planning, effective leadership transforms visions into memorable, well-executed events, driving team success and lasting impact. (GIEM, 2023)

I was involved in organising a charity quiz to raise funds for a worthy cause. I took on various tasks during the project, such as actively helping to organise the fundraiser, where I approached businesses for support, as well as choosing the venue, creating the decorations and scheduling the programme. One of the challenges was that one of the team members was not willing to participate in the business networking for the fundraiser, so I had to take over this task.

I was initially excited about the project as organising a charity event was a new and motivating challenge for me. However, I felt disappointed when my team mate refused to participate in the fundraising as I felt that the responsibility was unfairly passed on to me. However, I felt satisfaction and pride when I successfully completed the task and the project ended on a positive note.

On the positive side, I would like to highlight the fact that the team worked together on the concept of the event and that everyone contributed something to the success of the project. My participation in fundraising contributed to the achievement of the goal, which was a clear positive result. On the negative side, not all team members showed the same level of commitment, which caused tension and highlighted the need to improve communication and team management.

On the positive side, the team worked together on the concept of the event and everyone contributed something to the success of the project. My participation in fundraising contributed to the achievement of the goal, which was a clear positive result. On the negative side, not all team members showed the same level of commitment, which caused tension and highlighted the need to improve communication and team management.

From this experience, it became clear that effective communication and clear division of tasks are essential for successful teamwork. Taking on the fundraising task demonstrated my adaptability and commitment to a common goal. However, it also showed me that I have difficulties in stressful situations, especially when the workload is not shared equally. This has encouraged me to further develop my stress management techniques and leadership skills.

In the future, I would like to attend training courses or workshops focusing on leadership skills and stress management. I would also place more emphasis on a clearer initial allocation of tasks and clarification of expectations in team projects to avoid overloading individual team members. I also aim to incorporate these lessons into the organisation of future events, in particular through better time management and communication strategies.

Jenkins, A. (2021). Teamwork in the Event Industry. [online] Quadrant2Design. Available at: https://www.quadrant2design.com/the-importance-of-teamwork-in-the-event-industry/.

Giem.in. (2023). Team Collaboration and Leadership Skills: How Event Management Institutions Teach Essentials - Global Institute of Event Management - Official Website. [online] Available at: https://www.giem.in/blog/team-collaboration-and-leadership-skills-how-event-management-institutions-teach-essentials.

Gordon, R. (2023). Why It’s Necessary to Improve Team Communication | American Public University. [online] www.apu.apus.edu. Available at: https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/business-and-management/resources/why-it-is-necessary-to-improve-team-communication/.

Indeed (2021). Teamwork Skills: Definition, Types and Tips for Improvement. [online] Indeed Career Guide. Available at: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/teamwork-skills.

Belbin (1981). The Nine Belbin Team Roles. [online] Belbin. Available at: https://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles.

Hartman, T. (n.d.). Assessment Information - Color Code Personality Assessment. [online] TaylorHartman. Available at: https://taylorhartman.com/assessment-information/.

Some skills are useful for teamwork:

1.     Communication

Effective communication is essential for successful relationships and teamwork. Clear verbal and written communication ensure that team members understand their tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines, which helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes joint productivity (Robert, 2023).

For example, during the quiz night, effective communication enabled team members to complete pre-agreed tasks and ensured the evening was a success. This experience allowed me to recognize the importance of clear instructions and maintaining an open line of communication with the team.

Based on the results of my Hartman personality test, which indicated my "White" personality type, I possess qualities that are beneficial for event management, such as kindness, adaptability, and patience. These traits foster a harmonious atmosphere, which is essential for smooth coordination and effective communication in event planning. However, I recognize that my communication could improve, particularly in expressing my ideas more assertively and ensuring clarity in high-pressure situations.

2.     Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving in teams involves collaborative analysis and innovative thinking. Effective teams approach challenges by examining issues from multiple perspectives and leveraging diverse skills and insights to develop creative, comprehensive solutions (Indeed, 2024).

For instance, when one team member refused to participate in a fundraising business networking task, I had to step in and take over. This situation tested my problem-solving ability and highlighted the importance of adaptability in overcoming obstacles during event management.

3.     Teamworking skills:

My experience working in a team has taught me how to support others in achieving our common goals. During the quiz night, I coordinated the team, ensuring everyone was aware of their tasks and providing constant support. This role allowed me to enhance my teamwork skills, and the result of my Belbin Team Roles test highlighted my ability to adapt to various tasks while collaborating with others. The versatility of the team made it easier to accomplish the event objectives efficiently.

While my teamwork and communication skills are strong, I recognize the need to improve my ability to handle conflicts more effectively. Developing stronger conflict resolution strategies would enhance my leadership abilities, particularly in managing diverse team dynamics during event planning.