Are you interested in bringing people together, communication, and sports or entertainment? A career in Events Management might be a great fit for you! Events Managers are responsible for creating, planning, and setting up events. It’s a creative, hands-on job that lets you be involved in every stage of the planning and execution of events. Events Managers also have the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of people!
Riana Moriello ’14, and Events Manager at ESPN, recently answered a few questions about her career and provided advice for students looking to get into this field:
Q: What does a typical day look like in your career?
Riana: As an Events Manager, each day is different. If you are onsite for an event it’s all hands on deck. That includes, unpacking boxes, setting up a remote office, completing final walk throughs of the venue with security health and safety, and being the main point of contact and liaison between the venue, all vendors and staff. When we are “in the office” I am answering emails, taking phone calls, attending meetings, working with agencies on our next big event and strategizing for the upcoming year. We’re always working on 2+ big events at a time so organization and consistent clear communication are key!
Q: Do you feel that the major you selected left you well prepared for your career? If so, what specific skills or knowledge from your program were you able to apply? If not, what were some key skills that you needed to learn on the job?
Riana: I majored in Psychology and Anthropological Perspectives. Both of my majors were writing intensive and that has helped me when wordsmithing for big projects/marketing initiatives along with daily email communication. Although my majors helped, truthfully, I think it was my extracurricular activities at Binghamton that prepared me for my current career. I had the privilege of being the Vice President of Programming at Binghamton and that’s where I found my passion for events. Sticking to a budget and learning to manage expenditure vs profit was a big skill I took away from my position as VPP. I also think prioritization and time management are equally important. When balancing my responsibilities as VPP and being a dual major I learned to prioritize and manage my time effectively. Two very important skills that have helped lead to success in my career. My advice is to join that club and make those connections. Binghamton has a club for everything and if they don’t, then start it! You never know what it will lead to!
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
Riana: My favorite part is that I have the privilege of creating life-changing experiences for people. I’ve had clients leave an event and say it was the best day of their life. I’ve also had clients come back after years and say, ‘to this day, that was my favorite event I’ve ever attended’. That’s what gets me up in the morning!
Q: What is your advice to students looking to break into your field or ESPN in general?
Riana: To students looking to get into Events, my advice is to start getting experience. Volunteer to work local events, work part-time at a catering company and start developing the skills of a future event planner. To students looking to work for ESPN or a similar company, my advice is to stand out. Do something different. When I was interviewing for my first role at ESPN, I brought a 15-page printed portfolio that served as a conversation starter and was guaranteed to make the hiring manager remember me. Stand out and be bold. There is a ton of competition so ask yourself, what makes you different?
Q. In your opinion, what skills and abilities are most important to succeed in your role?
Riana: Adaptability, resourcefulness, strategic thinking, a logistical mindset, communication, and passion for events is vital to success. I also think it’s important to think outside the box and never stop pitching ideas, even if they sound far-fetched.
