As I have mentioned in a previous blog, part of my responsibility as a sales and marketing intern with Wingteam is to interview and hire staff for a variety of different events we have across the nation. I now have a heightened sense of professionalism and all of it's counterparts that come with the word. For example, professionalism is not just how you visually present yourself whether it is a unwrinkled suit and polished shoes or freshly pressed khakis and a button down. Professionalism exceeds this standard. It extends to your verbiage, what you say and how you say it. Professionalism will reveal your character and what you stand for. Even the way you shake a persons hand can reveal certain aspects of yourself. I receive many resumes for the variety of different events that we do and it when it comes to the initial phone call upon new hires, I am sculpting my skills to seek that certain type of professional. A couple of websites that I monitor are:
http://www.mpiweb.org/Home.aspx
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-AZ/Wingteam-Event-Staffing-Services/48575776755?ref=ts
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Business Ownership/ Entrepreneurship
After over a month into my internship with Wingteam LLC, I am beginning to understand the value and importance of being a business owner. They way it breaks down is as follows: Graduate from college and latch on to a company with a decent salary and get ready to climb the biggest ladder of your life... Let's fast forward 40 years from now and after countless weeks working 40+ hours a week, it's time to begin your LIFE! Now this statement may sound a little extreme and over-exaggerated but still carries some points of truth to some extend. Now, on the other hand, I feel never has there been a better time for our future leaders of the US to strike up innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness for the option of creating your own business. Working with Wingteam has opened my eyes to the benefits and advantages owning a business can offer. One initial advantage with owning your own business would be the abilities for tax write offs. What's even more intriguing for me is to set your own hours and you are your own boss. One website that I am affiliated with is:
WWW.ECOCLUB.COM
This particular organization showcases many job opportunities and business ventures that are among the field of ecotourism and sustainability. This website also stands as a forum for many like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of different topics within ecotourism.
The more I continue to work with Wingteam, the more I see the exciting possibilities of a future I am in control of. In other words, I see a viable option to my career as working for myself, rather then someone else.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
WWW.ECOCLUB.COM
This particular organization showcases many job opportunities and business ventures that are among the field of ecotourism and sustainability. This website also stands as a forum for many like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of different topics within ecotourism.
The more I continue to work with Wingteam, the more I see the exciting possibilities of a future I am in control of. In other words, I see a viable option to my career as working for myself, rather then someone else.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Adaptability
Throughout the past month as my internship is beginning to evolve and become more and more comfortable, I have realized the importance of being acceptive of change and constantly adapting to a new environment. In the field of event planning, we deal with a variety of different organizations ranging from your stereotypical corporate groups with fitted suits and black briefcases to your hair stylists with sleeves of tattoos and wide variety of colors on their head. With this being said, I have not only been mindful, but tailored a process to adapt accordingly to each group at hand as they all have different cultures and backgrounds.
The degree is adaptability will ultimately measure the success of service and hospitality outcomes for the event itself. The more events we continue to plan and execute, the more comfortable I am suiting different needs for our clients and have a new appreciation of the often times overlooked profession of meeting planning.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
The degree is adaptability will ultimately measure the success of service and hospitality outcomes for the event itself. The more events we continue to plan and execute, the more comfortable I am suiting different needs for our clients and have a new appreciation of the often times overlooked profession of meeting planning.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Well It's True, I Hate Math
Wingteam
Ok so here's the thing... I always joke with people when they ask me if I enjoy math, I'll usually respond: "You know, I'm more of a shapes and colors type of guy." They'll chuckle and I'll try to change the topic as quickly as possible. As mentioned in my other blog post, It takes a certain type of person with a certain type of personality for the tourism industry. More specifically speaking, the MICE segment of tourism. I had the opportunity to work Wednesday to Monday with a lead from Deloitte at the Scottsdale Conference Center and Resort. It was an impressive sight to see as I mimicked the work ethic of a professional with 20+ experience in the field. Here I am, a young hot shot thinking he's too cool and can handle anything that is thrown at him, well young child, guess again. This particular person had a knack for organizing and executing different plans and layouts to make everything more efficient. Now, as for myself, I am a neat freak. I enjoy having things a certain way, a certain distance apart... So on and so fourth. Having said that, he was the exact same way so when It came down to organizing welcome packets, distributing materials, or any other task I had, we tended to headbutt a little bit but It could have been worse. One of the main reasons why I feel so comfortable in this particular internship is the variety of like-minded people I am privileged to work with. We are all shapes and color type of personalities. I feel that were the type growing up that decided to take things apart for no particular reason, stacked crayola markers on top of each other for no particular reason until it collapsed. Oh well, were a different breed, but I love it!
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Ok so here's the thing... I always joke with people when they ask me if I enjoy math, I'll usually respond: "You know, I'm more of a shapes and colors type of guy." They'll chuckle and I'll try to change the topic as quickly as possible. As mentioned in my other blog post, It takes a certain type of person with a certain type of personality for the tourism industry. More specifically speaking, the MICE segment of tourism. I had the opportunity to work Wednesday to Monday with a lead from Deloitte at the Scottsdale Conference Center and Resort. It was an impressive sight to see as I mimicked the work ethic of a professional with 20+ experience in the field. Here I am, a young hot shot thinking he's too cool and can handle anything that is thrown at him, well young child, guess again. This particular person had a knack for organizing and executing different plans and layouts to make everything more efficient. Now, as for myself, I am a neat freak. I enjoy having things a certain way, a certain distance apart... So on and so fourth. Having said that, he was the exact same way so when It came down to organizing welcome packets, distributing materials, or any other task I had, we tended to headbutt a little bit but It could have been worse. One of the main reasons why I feel so comfortable in this particular internship is the variety of like-minded people I am privileged to work with. We are all shapes and color type of personalities. I feel that were the type growing up that decided to take things apart for no particular reason, stacked crayola markers on top of each other for no particular reason until it collapsed. Oh well, were a different breed, but I love it!
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
So This Is Real Life
WINGTEAM
So... What do you want to be when you grow up? What a question to ask at any age. Whether your six years old and say an astronaut or fireman, or sixty years old and still don't have an answer to that question. Could it be that we want to stay forever young? That were scared of the unknown and want to never grow up and live in never never land and fight off pirates and Captain Hook? Well, maybe not as far fetched as that last sentence, but let's make one thing clear. From my standpoint, I feel that asking that question is the equivalent of asking, "So... What's that single occupation your going to be stuck with for the rest of your life?" There's never just one thing I aspire to be when I "grow up." There are countless things to discover and learn, but here's the kicker, which is quite simple: One step at a time.
With Wingteam, I finally get to apply my 16 years of classroom knowledge into the field. There are many dimensions of the tourism industries and Wingteam falls under the 'MICE' category. Meeting, Incentives, Conventions, and Expositions. We are an event staffing company that simply makes sure every single aspect of a MICE runs as efficient and smooth as possible with high regards to hospitality and service. It is an excellent industry for a certain type of person. One of the main differences that I've experienced as I am making the transition from student to professional, is the responsibility of 'real life' scenarios.
Here's a story:
Just the other day, I was working from the Scottsdale office for an event that we were working at the Sheraton Marina in San Diego. I hired a total of 7 people for which we only needed 6. (1 backup.) Night falls for the event and I stay in close contact with our lead contact as our staff begin to arrive. Only six people show up and our person that is MIA does not answer any emails, phone calls, or text messages that we sent out. That is fire number 1. The second fire occurred when it came to my attention that there was no public parking for our staff and it would cost $4.00 per hour which, by the end of the night would be an expense of $120.00 out of our pocket. Our final fire of the night came when I received a text message from one of our staff members saying she left the event unexpectedly because it was simply, "To crazy for her." The moral of these three "fires" is to show right of the bat, within three weeks of the start of my internship, I am experiencing a variety of different managerial decisions and responsibilities. It is a great power to have, but can be quite nerve wrecking and stressful at times.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
So... What do you want to be when you grow up? What a question to ask at any age. Whether your six years old and say an astronaut or fireman, or sixty years old and still don't have an answer to that question. Could it be that we want to stay forever young? That were scared of the unknown and want to never grow up and live in never never land and fight off pirates and Captain Hook? Well, maybe not as far fetched as that last sentence, but let's make one thing clear. From my standpoint, I feel that asking that question is the equivalent of asking, "So... What's that single occupation your going to be stuck with for the rest of your life?" There's never just one thing I aspire to be when I "grow up." There are countless things to discover and learn, but here's the kicker, which is quite simple: One step at a time.
With Wingteam, I finally get to apply my 16 years of classroom knowledge into the field. There are many dimensions of the tourism industries and Wingteam falls under the 'MICE' category. Meeting, Incentives, Conventions, and Expositions. We are an event staffing company that simply makes sure every single aspect of a MICE runs as efficient and smooth as possible with high regards to hospitality and service. It is an excellent industry for a certain type of person. One of the main differences that I've experienced as I am making the transition from student to professional, is the responsibility of 'real life' scenarios.
Here's a story:
Just the other day, I was working from the Scottsdale office for an event that we were working at the Sheraton Marina in San Diego. I hired a total of 7 people for which we only needed 6. (1 backup.) Night falls for the event and I stay in close contact with our lead contact as our staff begin to arrive. Only six people show up and our person that is MIA does not answer any emails, phone calls, or text messages that we sent out. That is fire number 1. The second fire occurred when it came to my attention that there was no public parking for our staff and it would cost $4.00 per hour which, by the end of the night would be an expense of $120.00 out of our pocket. Our final fire of the night came when I received a text message from one of our staff members saying she left the event unexpectedly because it was simply, "To crazy for her." The moral of these three "fires" is to show right of the bat, within three weeks of the start of my internship, I am experiencing a variety of different managerial decisions and responsibilities. It is a great power to have, but can be quite nerve wrecking and stressful at times.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Classroom To The Field
WINGTEAM Event Staffing Services
Well, I think it is safe to say that all good things must come to an end. At least for some this may be. As for myself, there has never been a more exciting time in my life. School is over! Well, sort of. In terms of classroom lectures, powerpoint upon powerpoint, midterm and final exams, school is over in every sense of the word. This Is It! No, not the Michael Jackson movie, but our final chapter at ASU. I decided to do my internship with Wingteam Event Staffing Services based in North Scottsdale, AZ. This particular decision was made after my original plan to pursue an internship overseas fell through due to an issue of timing and paperwork.
Nonetheless, I found overwhelming excitement and opportunities that Wingteam has to offer. It was sort of like flipping a coin in terms of what to expect. Heads meant that it was going to be 14 weeks of excel spreadsheets, filling, and making sure the coffee pot was full at all times. Luckily for me, It was tails. Wingteam has approximately 12 events this semester to keep me more than busy with empowering work. As a sales and marketing intern, I am not only responsible for creating excel grids and accounting data, I have the privilege of interviewing and employing event staff which is a first for me and almost unheard of duty for an intern. This is where the word trustworthy and accountability come into play. I trust my boss Yvette Ponte and Dave Wiggs just as they put their trust in myself. Together, with these two vital character traits, I feel it will make for one successful final semester at ASU.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Well, I think it is safe to say that all good things must come to an end. At least for some this may be. As for myself, there has never been a more exciting time in my life. School is over! Well, sort of. In terms of classroom lectures, powerpoint upon powerpoint, midterm and final exams, school is over in every sense of the word. This Is It! No, not the Michael Jackson movie, but our final chapter at ASU. I decided to do my internship with Wingteam Event Staffing Services based in North Scottsdale, AZ. This particular decision was made after my original plan to pursue an internship overseas fell through due to an issue of timing and paperwork.
Nonetheless, I found overwhelming excitement and opportunities that Wingteam has to offer. It was sort of like flipping a coin in terms of what to expect. Heads meant that it was going to be 14 weeks of excel spreadsheets, filling, and making sure the coffee pot was full at all times. Luckily for me, It was tails. Wingteam has approximately 12 events this semester to keep me more than busy with empowering work. As a sales and marketing intern, I am not only responsible for creating excel grids and accounting data, I have the privilege of interviewing and employing event staff which is a first for me and almost unheard of duty for an intern. This is where the word trustworthy and accountability come into play. I trust my boss Yvette Ponte and Dave Wiggs just as they put their trust in myself. Together, with these two vital character traits, I feel it will make for one successful final semester at ASU.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Blog #4
1. Budapest, Hungary
http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/8830/Budapest-Hungary---Budapest-Hungria
2. Costa Rica [Official Promo ICT]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5hA-i-1Ssg
3. Aldealia, Rural Tourism in Spain
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/532437/aldealia_rural_tourism_in_spain/
4. The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D
http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v66378-Amsterdam-The_Dutch_Coffeeshop_Experience_with_Big_D-Video.html
5. Helicopter Tour: New York City
http://www.nyctourist.com/video-helicopter-new-york-at-night.htm
6. Hastily Made Tourism Video
http://www.positivelycleveland.com/hastilymade
7. Thailand Beaches
http://www.tourismthailand.org/movie-clip-video/clipvideo-detail-346.html
8. Experience Arizona
http://www.arizonaguide.com
9. Tourism Australia
http://www.media.australia.com/en-au/
10. Tianjin, China
http://www.cntovideo.org/detail.asp?Filmid=1
11. New Zealand- “The Youngest Country on Earth”
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/usa/usa_home.cfm
12. Brazil, A Lifestyle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7ORaBdC78
13. Antarctic Tourism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU1k3ZWrVqE
14. We Are Fiji
http://www.fijivideos.com/music/we-are-fiji
15. 24 Hours in Waikiki
http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=21&cid=2009r3stories_home01
Top 5 Tourism Videos:
1. We Are Fiji
http://www.fijivideos.com/music/we-are-fiji
2. The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D
http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v66378-Amsterdam-The_Dutch_Coffeeshop_Experience_with_Big_D-Video.html
3. Experience Arizona
http://www.arizonaguide.com
4. New Zealand- “The Youngest Country on Earth”
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/usa/usa_home.cfm
5. 24-Hours in Waikiki
http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=21&cid=2009r3stories_home01
The selection of videos that stood out and were recruited to the top five spots ‘in no particular order’ were based on a variety of different aspects. First, let’s keep in mind that I made my best effort to create an unbiased selection of the 15 videos by viewing videos that ranged from countries official tourism website, to a Sony Handycam video that was edited with a Macbook. The first category that was judged to determine which videos were overall more enjoyable was the measure of updated information and perceptions of the video at hand. Let’s make note that if were watching a video that is tourism related, but dates to the 1980’s, I would have a funny feeling that the particular destination just lost a potential customer. All of the top 5 videos excelled in this category of containing updated material. The second category that I used to determine the top videos of the 15 reviewed was a strict combination of both creativity and unique characteristics. The top five videos selected all catered to this second category. For example, the video entitled, “We Are Fiji” gave an overview of Fiji through depicting various pictures and utilizing local musicians of the country to bring the video to life. The video entitled, “The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D” suggests that no further explanation of what the video contains however, the video provides an insiders perspective on the coffeeshops and other alike places to visit in Amsterdam that most likely won’t be shown on PBS anytime soon. The third and final category that I used to judge the videos to make my final selection of not only the top five videos but the one video that single handedly demolishes the competition was based on a combination of quality, engagement, and attractiveness. The one video that completely held my attention span throughout the duration of the 2:18 minute video was the video entitled, “New Zealand- The Youngest Country on Earth.” This video concisely depicts a combination of natural, cultural and food and beverage attractions while utilizing what seemed to be proprietary technology due to the fact that other official tourism websites did not deliver the same caliber of video in terms of quality. I feel that it was the accessibility of easily watching the video that was conveniently located on the main screen of the New Zealand Tourism Website, and the sights and sounds that tackled my senses and left me with an unquestioned winner. Now, let’s understand that the phase, “To each their own” stands true because each person has different standards and qualities that they look for when looking at a variety of different tourism websites but for me, it was this particular video that related quite directly to my interests which made it the winner.
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