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Rachelle, Event Manager & Marketer at George P Johnson, Applied Underwriters, Google Chrome Enterprise: Advize Career Interview
A career in event management and marketing, as revealed by a George P. Johnson, Applied Underwriters, and Google Chrome Enterprise professional, is a dynamic blend of strategic planning and hands-on execution.
This path began with diverse experiences in college, including catering and DJ company work, leading to internships and a career marked by increasingly responsible roles.
The work involves logistical prowess, strong communication, and creative problem-solving, demanding a "bird's eye view" perspective and the ability to handle pressure.
Success hinges on securing stakeholder buy-in, proactive follow-up, and making sound judgment calls.
The most rewarding aspects include collaborative teamwork with skilled professionals, witnessing a vision come to life, and the feeling of creating memorable brand experiences.
Aspiring event professionals should seek diverse service industry jobs, highlighting the importance of experiential learning and positive relationships—building a foundation for a fulfilling and exciting career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachelle Platis
Event Manager & Marketer
George P Johnson, Applied Underwriters, Google Chrome Enterprise
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
N/A
Hospitality Administration
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
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Career Path Of An Event Manager And Marketer At George P Johnson And Google
Rachelle's career path began with a recreation parks and tourism administration degree from Cal Poly, where they gained diverse event experience through various jobs, including catering and working for a DJ company – "I just tried to get my hands in as much experience before I graduated." This led to an internship and subsequent full-time role at George P. Johnson, followed by event management at an insurance company, culminating in a field marketing position at Google Chrome Enterprise, where the COVID-19 pandemic shifted their focus to virtual events and stakeholder collaboration.
Main Responsibilities of an Event Manager and Marketer at Google Chrome Enterprise
Rachelle's role as an Event Manager & Marketer encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from the logistical aspects of "making sure all of our booths were fully stocked" at trade shows to the strategic planning of experiential marketing events, including "negotiating sponsorships" and ensuring "the look and feel of the space aligned with our brand." The overarching goal is to create memorable brand experiences, focusing on "the experience and the feeling that people get," rather than simply visual branding.
A Day in the Life of an Event Manager and Marketer at Google Chrome Enterprise
A day in the life of Rachelle, an event and trade show manager, involves extensive logistical planning, including "a lot of spreadsheets" and communication with various teams to ensure timely execution; Rachelle's work focuses on aligning marketing components with the event's overarching goals, maintaining a focus on "what's the goal of this event and why are we here".
Most Important Skills For An Event Manager And Marketer At Google Chrome Enterprise
Rachelle, an Event Manager & Marketer, highlights that "communication and organizational skills are kind of baseline," but strategic thinking and securing stakeholder buy-in are crucial for success. The ability to "keep your cool and roll with the punches" while creatively problem-solving and maintaining a "bird's eye view" of the event's overall goals within the company's objectives is essential for navigating the high-pressure environment and delivering impactful results.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Event Manager And Marketer At George P Johnson
Rachelle, an Event Manager & Marketer, thrives on the "puzzle piecing" aspect of her role, enjoying the problem-solving process of bringing events to life. The execution and witnessing of the resulting experience, from trade shows to conferences, provides a deeply rewarding feeling of seeing "a vision come to life."
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Event Manager and Marketer at George P Johnson, Applied Underwriters, and Google Chrome Enterprise
Rachelle's biggest challenge as an Event Manager & Marketer is "following up with people to make sure things are getting done," especially when working across different business segments and requiring stakeholder buy-in; however, proactive strategies like "emailing people, sending reminders, [and] setting up reminder tasks" mitigate this, showcasing strong organizational skills crucial for success in their multifaceted career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Events And Marketing As An Event Manager And Marketer
Rachelle's favorite aspect of the events and marketing industry is collaborating with highly skilled professionals: "working with people who really know what they're doing and they just click with you," resulting in seamless execution and excellent experiences. The collaborative nature, combined with the travel opportunities, makes it a rewarding career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Events Industry, According To An Event Manager At Google
Rachelle describes successful event professionals as "hustlers," proactive problem-solvers who anticipate issues and build solutions, securing necessary buy-in. The career demands hard work and dedication, often involving unconventional hours and significant pre-event preparation, with "crunch time" in the weeks leading up to a major event.
What an Event Manager Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Events Industry
Rachelle's experience reveals a crucial lesson: event management requires "making sound judgment calls in the moment" and taking ownership, unlike the initially perceived glamorous aspects. The reality involves significant autonomy, quick decision-making, and learning through trial and error to meet client goals, rather than simply focusing on aesthetics.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Event Managers and Marketers
Rachelle suggests entry-level event professionals should seek "any service industry job" emphasizing experience ownership and delivering positive experiences; marketing roles within agencies facilitating events are also ideal, even starting in support roles like "the supplies person," highlighting the importance of demonstrating logistical skills and a commitment to the overall event experience.
Significant Career Lesson From An Event Marketing Manager At Google
Rachelle's career success hinges on two key lessons: taking "ownership" and making "judgment calls quickly," and maintaining kindness and respect within the small events industry, recognizing that professional connections are valuable and enduring. This approach, learned during an internship, emphasizes the importance of networking and positive professional relationships for long-term career growth.
How College Helped an Event Manager and Marketer at Google Succeed
Rachelle's pre-graduation work and volunteer experience proved invaluable, giving a "huge leg up" in a career where "experience is the name of the game." This diverse experience allowed Rachelle to understand various roles and anticipate team needs, making Rachelle a highly effective and proactive event manager.
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