Advice To My Past Self
From the desk of: Intern Frankie
Hi everyone!
My name is Frankie Ernest and I am AE’s fall intern! I am a current senior studying hospitality management at Endicott College (Go Gulls!) It feels like just yesterday I was sitting as a nervous freshman listening to my professors tell me all about the internship program. An entire semester of senior year spent working a 9-5? Crazy, but too far away to even think about!
Well, here I am 3 years later sitting at my desk wishing I could tell her how quickly that would go by! It's only my fourth week here at AE but it’s safe to say that it already feels like a family!
I will openly admit that going into college, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with the event industry. It was the one sector of the hospitality industry that I had no desire to pursue. Don’t ask me why, but I could not fathom the thought of becoming an event planner. This is why I decided to complete my first internship at a local hotel, in hopes of avoiding all events. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that my supervisor was the director of catering and events! However, it took just one wedding to make me fall in love with events and I have never looked back! From the first look, to the father of the bride's toast, I simply couldn't stop smiling (and crying). Since my time at that hotel, I have carried the title of intern at 3 other different event companies. Boy, would 18 year old me be shocked! But more than anything I think she would be proud. Proud of me for trying something new and finding something that I truly have a passion for. I know that not everyone gets so lucky to find something that makes them enjoy getting out of bed everyday (even if the start of the day is a 2+ hour commute)!
Looking back on these last 3 and a half years of college, I think it's safe to say that I have learned a few things along the way. I have recently compiled a list of advice that I would give to freshman year Frankie if I ever had the opportunity to chat with her:
Make the mistakes: Yes, you heard that correctly! I know it's scary, but they are going to happen one way or another. You are NOT perfect and are still learning. It’s how you bounce back from the mistake that will define you as a person and make people remember you.
Be honest with yourself: Don't do it if you don't love it. There is absolutely no need to try and get an internship with a major hotel chain solely because a big name will look good on your resume or because it's so highly sought after. It's not worth it if it doesn't fill you with joy! There are plenty of other options out there that will make you love going to work everyday, and that’s really important.
Events are more than just parties: Before you go around swearing you will never be a “party planner”, remember that there’s so much more than that to event management. You have the chance to witness two people vow to spend the rest of their life together surrounded by all of their family and friends. How special is that? You also have the opportunity to witness amazing fundraisers for nonprofits, and so much more.
Submit the study abroad application: Get on the plane and don't look back (except for one last wave at your parents). Florence will teach you so much about the hospitality industry and allow you to see it from a much broader perspective. Florence will also give you the chance to see a whole new version of yourself, and it's a pretty cool thing to reflect on.
Go to class: Yes, your professor will 100% notice if you are not there. And above all, classes are providing the foundation for any and all future work experiences. All of your professors are here and want to help you. You will also take everything you learn in class and apply it to real-world experiences. Things as simple as learning how to write a proper email and how to communicate with people in the workplace properly, are all vital skills.
Listen to Lauren: Your good friend Lauren is going to call you one day while you're studying abroad in Italy and tell you all about her really cool internship at AE Events. She will then tell you that you just HAVE to apply because she thinks you would really like it. You’re a little hesitant at first, but just like always, she’s 100% right. Without Lauren, you wouldn't have the chance to work with such an amazing group of inspiring women who want to see you grow and succeed.
I hope that the advice I would give to my past self resonates with at least a few of you. I know some of it may be cliche, but I do believe it all to be true. I am so grateful for the chance to have introduced myself to you all, and even more grateful for getting to be a part of the AE team! I can't wait for the next few months here at AE, I am sure I will have a whole new set of advice for my current self by the time December rolls around!
Talk soon!