Getting your foot in the door and climbing the ladder in media can be a challenge: The industry is always changing, career paths can be ambiguous and social media never sleeps.
To help you find your way, we’re talking to media pros with a few years under their belts. Our Advice From the Pros series gives you real-world insights and advice you can apply to your job search, job interview, and—when you land that next gig—your new job, too.
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Then when you’re ready, check out our job board.
Melissa Shaw is energized by the intensity of her job. As associate director of events for the New York City–based Clio Awards, which hosts three annual competitions that celebrate creativity in advertising, Shaw heads the operations team and executes all related events from start to finish.
At any given time, she could be coordinating international travel for 80 judges or scouting a location in Bali. The native of Hayward, California, has been in the role for two years and lives in Elmsford, New York.
So how’d she get her current position, and how’s she getting ready for the next stage of her career? Read on. (And look for her on LinkedIn.)
What was your first job? And your first job in your chosen career?
My first job ever was cleaning houses with my godmother during summer vacation. My first job in my chosen career was an events coordinator at events services company IQPC, based in New York City.
How did you land your current job?
I applied to a job posting online. During the interview process, I was charismatic, and I just clicked with the president of Clio, who’s now my boss.
Is this where you always thought you’d end up?
I initially wanted to be a lawyer. I definitely have the qualities for one—I’m assertive and always questioning everything—but around my fourth year in college I decided that profession wasn’t for me.
Meanwhile, I planned various events at school through various clubs and organizations I was a part of, and that’s where I excelled.
Now that my career in event planning has taken off, one of my strengths is contract negotiation. I always get the best deal possible at the lowest rate!
What made you want to pursue this role?
A mentor talked me through the process of event planning and helped me realize this is what I enjoyed doing and that I was good at it.
What about your job gets you excited to jump out of bed every morning? What makes you want to hide under the sheets?
I like that not one day is the same; every day has new challenges. I love the stress of events and do not shy away from it. When I’m not busy, I feel useless.
What’s your favorite thing about working at your company?
My team—it’s so hard to find great people to work for you. When I was hiring for a position in operations, it had taken some time to find the right person, but I have and she makes work so enjoyable.
How do you stay on top of trends in your field?
I follow some of the big names in the industry on social media, including Variety and BizBash. I also follow the Kardashians because they are always out and about at awesome events—and because I love them. The creativity of events people and seeing what they can do with huge budgets blows me away.
What are you reading right now?
Grit to Great: How Perseverance, Passion, and Pluck Take You From Ordinary to Extraordinary, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your role?
That it’s glamorous. Truth be told, it’s a lot of sneakers, hair in a ponytail and rolling up your sleeves to get the job done.
What skills should you have when applying for an event planner job?
Passion and work ethic. Skills can always be taught, but if you don’t have that drive there’s no point.
What advice would you give someone looking to break into this field?
Everybody wants to be an event planner. They plan a wedding and think they’re experts in the field. Corporate life is different. It’s long hours and very demanding, so be sure this is for you.
What tips do you have for those seeking mentorships?
Find someone who is truly invested in your well-being and who inspires you. They might not be the president of a company just yet, but knowing that they will get there—and take you along the ride—is so beneficial.
Check out our job board for openings in event planning; operations and strategy; and advertising.
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