The wedding industry has so much to offer our graduates in terms of career opportunities, and that includes some fabulous roles at Wedding Venues worldwide. Today we catch up with UK Academy student Lindsey Watson who is studying our Diploma in Venue Coordination. Lindsey is a real inspiration; balancing her studies with a busy family and work life, to pursue a career she is truly passionate about.
Lindsey firstly congratulations on your recent appointment as part of the team at Gisborough Hall. Could you tell us a bit more about your job role and what it entails?
Thank you! I have recently been employed as Gisborough Hall’s Wedding Coordinator. As a Wedding Coordinator in such a successful and busy hotel, no two days are the same. My role is huge and includes showing couples the venue and telling them about all we have to offer, organising and holding Wedding Showcases once a month, working with couples who have booked their wedding at the hotel to make sure their day is perfect – including anything from e-mails to meetings with the couples to help them every step of the way. I’m basically there go-to-gal to answer any questions they may have. Getting married is a big deal and can be daunting at times, but it’s my job to make sure everything runs smoothly.
What made you decide to pursue employment opportunities in the wedding industry? What do you enjoy most about your job?
Whilst planning my own wedding I was in my element and I thought to myself, “I could definitely make a career out of this!” And so I started looking into courses that I could complete from home and found the Wedding Planning Academy. I knew I didn’t want to take the ‘own business’ route – I wanted to work within a venue and so I started the Venue Coordination course which covers everything I need to know from showrounds to marketing – which is fab. As I moved forward with my course I knew I’d definitely want a position as a Wedding Coordinator.
I enjoy lots of different aspects of the Wedding Coordinator role but if I had to choose just one – it would have to be seeing the couples on their wedding day – and the day after. Simply because I build a great relationship with all of my couples and I’m super passionate about them and their big day. We may have lots of different weddings a year at the hall, but every single wedding from 30 guests to 300 guests means a lot to me personally and I want them to have the wedding of their dreams. To see the couples having an amazing day and hearing all about it the day after really means the world to me and gives my job real meaning.
You’ve had some great experience meeting and interviewing with various great wedding venues. What is your advice for anyone looking to get employed in the wedding industry? How did you ensure your application stood out and win you the job role?
Look online, e-mail venues in your area, show willing – go out and get some experience but most of all my top tip has to be to show your passion. It’s been a real positive that I’ve heard after the interviews that I’ve had, people see the passion I have for planning weddings.
I genuinely think my cover letter made me stand out from the crowd. A well worded passionate cover letter works wonders – although I didn’t have a great deal of experience I showed willing. I showed my hunger to learn everything I needed to know about the industry. The cover letter got me through the different venue doors for an interview – and in the interview, my willingness and passion didn’t let up.
Prepare for interviews look into the venues achievements, upcoming events that you could potentially help with, what wedding/event packages they offer and what their target market is. This will help you feel more confident that you know the venue and what they may need from you.
You are also a student with us, how do you juggle work, life and study?
In all honesty, it can be tough at times. I now work 40 hours a week, have two young children and have my Venue Coordination course to complete. It does sound a lot however, I’m doing it not only for me – but for my family. I am so passionate about my job and the Wedding Academy course I make the time to complete the units/assignments. It helps masses that the course has 2 years completion time but has no assignment deadlines to meet so I can work at my own pace.
I love the quote ‘if you really want something you’ll find a way – if not, you’ll find an excuse’ – So I try to live by this and because it’s something I really want I simply find a way!
If you want to find out more about our wedding courses on offer in your region check out your local campus.
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