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Stepping Up The Game - 5-16-07

“Never bunt. Always aim out of the ballpark." -Marissa Lewis

Name: Marissa Lewis

Age: 24

Occupation: Event Coordinator

Where do you work? Aigner Associates, Boston, MA

Where are you from? Collinsville, IL (hometown) - currently live in Salem, MA

Did you go to college? Yes, at Bradley University in Peoria, IL

What did you study? Public Relations with a minor in Professional Selling

Why did you pick this career?

I always enjoyed planning things. Everything from Girl Scout Cookie drives to proms. In college, public relations was the closest I could get to event planning. Through various internships I had, I quickly figured out that my qualities and talents would work best in this industry.

What are your future plans for your career?

Eventually, I would like to own my own company. I'm just beginning my career. I am with a great company currently that I know will lead in future success. Everything in life has stepping stones and I'm just getting started.

How did you get involved in this career?

When I first decided to move to Boston (my junior year of college), I knew that I needed an internship to get my foot in the door. Event planning is such a hot industry to get into but you need to have experience. After completing my successful internship during the summer of 2004, Aigner Associates invited me to be a part of their staff.

How did you prepare yourself for this career?

I completed several internships during college. I also was a member of a social sorority which allowed me to plan social functions for large numbers of people.

And if you just happened to land in this career what made you stay?

I have stayed because I love what I do. Not many people can say that.

What are the downsides to this profession?

Weekend work and stress. During an event, if things are not going right (a celebrity doesn't show up) you have to keep your composure, which can be hard to do.

What is a typical workday for you?

I get in around 9:15a, check my email, read the newspapers, and listen to voicemail. I then start on my task list. Every night, before I leave, I make a task list for the next day in order of importance. Usually, mid-morning, I will get sidetracked to another issue. A vendor did not show up, something arrived and is the wrong color, etc. After lunch (usually around 1p) I get back to my task list. The task can be any of the following: media research and pitching (to publicize events), vendor research, I also spend a lot of time on the phone trying to track down publicists for celebrities that I may be trying to book. Everyday is so different, but you always have to be on your feet!

How might this job be a stepping stone to other professions?

Because of all of the markets this position deals with, I could transition to anything in the hotel/hospitality or restaurant industry easily.

What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?

Never let them (your guests) see you sweat. If the balloons didn't drop, who cares, the guests didn't know there was supposed to be a balloon drop. And, more importantly, never make the same mistake twice.

What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career? INTERNSHIPS! Get as many internships as you can. If they are unpaid, make it work. If you can survive through an unpaid internship you can make it through anything. Companies won't hire someone with no experience.

What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?

I volunteer with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of New England and the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta.

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