Quinn Kaufman

Major: Event Management
Company/Organization: Toast
Company/Organization website: https://www.toastankeny.com/
Destination: Ames, Iowa
Timeframe: Summer 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jbeyer@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My internship requires me to think on my feet and respond to the needs of guests and clients. I operate on behalf of the venue, meaning guests can come to me with any questions or concerns regarding the venue. A typical day for me includes preparing and disassembling the venue spaces, including the ceremony and reception space and our suites. These tasks often require me to set up/tear down chairs, tables, and furniture, set up linens, put them away at the end of the night, and speak with caterers, florists, and planners to coordinate placement and time. My job requires me to take care of needs regarding both the clients and the venue.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment thus far is the responses and feedback I’ve received from clients and guests. One of the main reasons I found this position interesting is the client relationship experience. I love working with people to create the event they’ve envisioned. My goal is for clients to walk away feeling confident in their choice of venue, so I always look forward to hearing feedback from the event attendees. Making their day/experience as relaxing and stress-free as possible is my only focus, so when customers tell me I’ve made their day easier, I feel accomplished.

Learning experience

One of the main lessons I’ve learned from this amazing experience is going with the flow. No two people will be the same when you work in an industry focused on people. Every couple I’ve had the honor of helping has had unique desires and standards for their event. Finding ways to meet these expectations is the main goal of every shift I attend. At the beginning of my search for my internship, being flexible and open to different options ultimately allowed me to find what I believed was the perfect opportunity for me.

What advice would you give?

My biggest piece of advice would be to be an active problem solver and have confidence in yourself. Being proactive is extremely appreciated by employers because it shows dependability. Most managers don’t want to micromanage someone else, so completing tasks without being asked, openly communicating issues, and being prepared to complete tasks to the best of your ability is crucial. With all of this being said, knowing when to ask questions or for help is also important because it acknowledges your interest in retaining important information.

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