Katherine Vogel

Responsibilities

I did a lot of different things during my time at Sherwood Forest Event Center. For actual events, I helped with the set and tear down of tables/chairs, tended the bar, and bussed tables. These duties allowed me to see the operations side of the venue. I helped them to plan & prepare for a Bridal Show they hosted in February and worked the booth/gave tours of the facility during the show and I also attended the Des Moines Wedding Show with them and worked their booth. Both Bridal Shows allowed me to enhance my presentation and communication skills while talking to potential brides/customers.

Accomplishments

I was asked to make decorative items for their venue and the bridal shows. I made the bags that we gave away to the Brides at the show they hosted and also made a sign with the venue's name on it that we used in the booth at the Des Moines Wedding Show. It was nice that they noticed I had a talent and wanted to use that in their space/with their customers.

Learning experience

I learned a lot from the owner Dory, on the difference between a manager and a leader. No matter what the task, Dory is always right there to work alongside you and show you how to do things instead of just telling you what to do.

What advice would you give?

Our internship is required so you may as well make the most of it! Instead of finding the first thing available make sure you find an internship that aligns with what you hope your future career will be. If you want to work weddings find a venue or a wedding planner, if you want to do corporate events look at big businesses, etc. Use this opportunity to really find out if what you think a job was like is really what it is and don't be afraid to ask your internship supervisor questions to really find out all about the front and back ends of a role.