Case studies: Reservations/conference manager: Caroline

Working in conference management nearly always involves working at weekends, so you have to be prepared to give up some of your free time to make sure things are running smoothly.

I graduated with a degree in criminology, a course that developed my passion for organisation and people. I currently work for a company that offers the corporate world a range of services, including conference and event management.

I did some work experience in a hotel, which was a great help in getting my current job as it gave me an understanding of how the hospitality world operates. I think doing work experience or getting an internship in the industry would be of great benefit to anyone looking to work in conferencing, especially when, like myself, your degree subject is not related to the business at all.

When I first started in my current job, I was working as a supervisor but was quickly promoted to a managerial position. The company are very good at developing people and their skills.

On a day-to-day basis the tasks I have to carry out include:

• organising conferences;
• booking accommodation for international clients;
• meeting clients and contacts;
• writing articles on venue facilities;
• visiting venues;
• account managing.

I really enjoy all of these aspects of my job, especially visiting venues and arranging bookings for clients. This is my favourite part of my role because it means I get to meet lots of interesting people.

Although I love most aspects of my job, it can be tough: it gets very busy and clients can also be difficult, which is stressful to say the least.

In the future I hope to stay in my current role and, as the company grows, have more people to manage, which would make my work more challenging and satisfying.