What I learned from a week placement at BeaconHouse Events

Work experience has the potential to be dull. Usually, the excitement of the real world of work is quickly diminished by the seemingly endless photocopying and tea-making experience most end up with. But luckily for me, my work experience week at BeaconHouse was far from that.

From the second I stepped into the office that Monday morning I felt welcomed. Instead of the tightly strung, high-pressure atmosphere I expected, I was greeting by a team of friendly yet hardworking individuals. The approachable staff meant I wasn’t hesitant to ask for help or guidance in my set tasks, allowing me to take much more enjoyment in what I was doing. Once I was settled, I was given the chance to listen in on a conference call about an upcoming event. It gave me a unique insight into the process of organising an event and the steps taken to create the perfect finished product. Now I’m even more appreciative when I’m scoffing down nibbles at a function!

The rest of the day included learning about how employees manage their workloads on a day-to-day basis and the software applications they use. Additionally, I was given the task of researching venue options for a future event. Being able to collaborate and assist on real life projects gave me a realistic, hands-on experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The next day I was given the chance to spectate a meeting on establishing company ideals, characteristics and values. This helped me to learn the importance of attitude and mindset in both a work and school environment and the skills needed to thrive and flourish in those environments. Needless to say, it fascinated me much more than the Pythagorean theorem in school.

One evening, I was even asked to attend a company event where I assisted with checking employees in using the ticketing software, among other jobs. This was very new to me, but that meant it was a new possibility for learning and growth. The event was interesting to spectate; I certainly learnt a lot onsite!

During my time at BeaconHouse I have partaken in and contributed to many different projects, helping me explore both the industry and the ways in which I tackle tasks. I’ll admit, I was nervous coming in and unsure of what to expect but I have been warmly welcomed and encouraged to work to the best of my ability; the week was everything I hoped it would be.

Overall, my time at BeaconHouse Events has shown me the resilience, responsibility and trust needed in order to thrive in a working environment. It was a very enjoyable yet realistic insight into the industry and I have definitely gained in confidence. Thank you to the whole Beacon House Team for a great week!

6 Great Reasons to Volunteer in 2018

What’s that? You just heard about this great new series to watch…here’s why you should give up your time instead…

1.ENHANCE YOUR CV

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Your employment prospects will immediately improve, FACT.

Who do you think is getting an interview for that job? Elmo with a one page CV, no experience but ‘likes socialising’ or Anita with volunteering experience at three high profile events including the UK’s LARGEST Pasta Party?

“Oh hello Anita, what’s that? Strong with two sugars…no problem” *Anita settling into her new job.

2. LEARN NEW SKILLS

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You will learn new skills working on events. If you like filing that’s fine, but you could be honing your customer service skills on registration, greeting international speakers with a winning smile, making a dent in your 10,000 steps doing stage management, access to restricted events, learning how backstage events operate or gaining knowledge from inspirational industry speakers…for free.

3. BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

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Trying something new by taking on an event volunteer role will expand your horizons, give you a sense of pride and identity, and leave you beaming, glowing or perhaps perspiring after a shift with a great event team.

4. YOU’LL MEET PEOPLE AND MAKE FRIENDS

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We hire friendly. We are a friendly bunch and so are the rest of our recruits it’s a prerequisite. You’ll meet likeminded people and bond over shared experiences. Unless your middle name is ‘Lazy’, we know you’ll fit in.

5. IT’S FUN

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We event hard and party (eat left over conference buffet) harder.

6. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

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No, seriously! Research has found that volunteering can boost your immune system and help you sleep better (not just from exhaustion)!

It can be hard to know where to begin if you’ve never volunteered for an event.

Fortunately, we can steer you in the right direction. We offer opportunities to work on a wide range of events from glittering VIP dinners, conferences, exhibitions, festivals (film to wildlife!) and everything in between. We’ll be able to match you with an event that suits your availability and interest area. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a full-time commitment; the odd shift when you are available really makes a difference.

Sign up to hear about our opportunities here:

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At BeaconHouse Events we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account for volunteering opportunities. Your details will not be shared for marketing purposes.

Perfect gifts for the organised person in your life…

So, if you’re a disheveled friend, loved one or co-worker of a super deserving event organiser, here are some gift-giving ideas so you can channel Mr Claus rather than the forgetful Mr & Mrs McCallister in Home Alone.

BeaconHouse Christmas Gift Guide

Pact Coffee            3AM Journal                Hydration Dot
(l-r, An event organisers food groups are as follows; Caffeine, Carbs, Jelly Beans, Caffeine and Caffeine. Buy this subscription to their heart; Pact Coffee,
Sometimes the best ideas come in your dreams; 3am Journal, Racing about onsite means organisers sometimes need a little watering, keep your event organiser hydrated with this nifty gadget which logs water consumption; Joseph Joseph Dot Hydration)

 

Tom Dixon            Minimergency Kit            Diary 2018

(l-r, Stylish, organised, copper, tick tick tick; Tom Dixon Desk Organiser,  They are always prepared, but make sure they are always prepared in style; Minimergecny Kit, We are all for the cloud based diary management, but couldn’t resist this agenda; Sloane Stationary Diary)

Birchbox            Spa Vouchers             Granola For Gangsters

(l-r Travelling all over means a subscription to miniature beauty buys is a no-brainer: Birchbox Subscription, Hold the Sellotape, vouchers for a Spa would be the perfect retreat for a tired event organisers tootsies. Locally we recommend Seaham, Ramside and Rockliffe Hall: Spa Vouchers, And just because…Gangster Granola)

If all else fails, warm their hearts with a festive knit.

We’ll be supporting the local Christmas Jumper campaign from The Chronicle Sunshine Fund on 15th December. Make like Mark Darcy and pull out that seasonal sweater with the office team for a good cause. Text ‘SFCA17 £2’ TO 70070 to donate.

Our favourites:

Christmas is Coming              Feliz Navidog             The Boss of Christmas

Once you’ve tackled your shopping list, let the ‘wrapologists’ take care of the gift wrapping.

From 8th December to 24th December The Children’s Foundation will be wrapping busy shoppers presents in exchange for charitable donations in Eldon Square.

The Elves of BeaconHouse will be volunteering their nimble fingers on the 15th and 18th, so come along and have your presents beautifully wrapped.

Reader, I think you’ll find that is Christmas…done.