Student Q&A: Brittany Beattie

Editor's note: Upskilled is currently not taking enrolments for courses Event Management. Please contact us on 1300 009 924 to discuss other course options.

Brittany Beattie studied the SIT50316 - Diploma of Event Management with Upskilled. She was given the opportunity to study a qualification in events by her employer and she loved the fact that she was able to upskill without taking any time off work due to the flexibility of online study. The skills and knowledge she's developed  has allowed her to make further improvements in areas she looks after as a functions coordinator. 

In this Q&A, she shares more about how her role has been affected by the pandemic, how she's learnt to adapt to the times and how her trainer supported her throughout her studies.

Why did you choose to study the SIT50316 - Diploma of Event Management with Upskilled?

 To further my knowledge in the industry and obtain the relevant qualifications needed for my current position. I've been the functions coordinator since I was 21 with the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club and was lucky enough to have them support me and pay for my course to better my career with them.

Could you explain your day-to-day responsibilities for your role?

 My day-to-day responsibilities do vary quite a bit from your average functions coordinator as we're a small tight-knit business and I'm the only full-time staff member in the events side of the business. My responsibilities range from:

• Liaising with clients
• Responding to emails and queries
• Invoicing and accounting
• Organising and running all of the functions and events
• Managing all of the bar and catering including all of the ordering, menu creating and quoting, staff rostering, cleaning, till programming, etc. 

I also assist in the bar for service and kitchen for prep and service if needed.

How did this qualification help you with your current role? 

 I'm now qualified for the job rather than having just the experience. It also allowed me to brush up on a few areas that we do differently at my venue to allow us to improve our functions and procedures.

What are the benefits of studying online?

 I could do it whenever and wherever, which worked well with my work schedule as I was unable to take time off during the week to attend classes to study. It was also beneficial as I could progress at my own pace and if I chose to sit down for a week and progress through multiple subjects then that was fine as I was able to.

How did your trainer support you throughout the course?

 My trainer was great. I couldn’t recommend Gideon Roos highly enough! If I was ever stuck, he was only a quick email or phone call away. He always got back to me promptly and in a professional yet easily approachable manner. Gideon was always encouraging throughout the course and reassured me that I'd be able to complete it when I was feeling a little deflated.

How has your role changed since the pandemic and what have you done to adapt to these times?

Unfortunately, we've been basically shut since the 23rd of March, 2020. I've had to postpone a lot of events including weddings, conferences, birthdays, etc. We're in the process now of reopening and rescheduling all postponed events. 

During the shutdown, my role varied. I spent a fair bit of time thoroughly cleaning, assisting with the horse racing side of our business and designing new packages and procedures to better help the business.

What are your short and long-term goals for the future? 

 I'm getting married in May 2021 so my short-term goal is to ensure everything is organised for the wedding and that the day runs as smoothly as possible whilst enjoying ourselves. For the long-term, I'd love to be able to start a family with my partner whilst still holding a career in the events industry.

Grow your business mindset with Upskilled

 Upskilled has a wide range of courses in business that you can choose from. With qualifications being delivered online, you have the option of specialising in an area of your interest.

Courses range from diploma to certificate-level so depending on your skills and experience, undertaking a qualification can help boost your skillset to be more versatile. Get in touch by ringing the team on 1300 009 924 and enquire about a course today!