The End.

• The Final Countdown

My time here at Blue Planet Green Events being the summer assistant has come to an end and here are some of my final marks...

Knowledge of Work: Excellent. I came into this internship with no experience in the industry and common knowledge of the average practices. However, I hvae always had an interest in party/event planning and an extreme attention to detail. After working the first event with some guidance from the other interns and the bosses I saw how everything was run. From chair/table cloth alignment to getting little things done before I was asked. I gave myself high marks in this area because I adapted quickly and picked up on every little thing I could in order to be the biggest help to the ladies.

Image: Good. Walking into the office on the first day I had no idea what to expect. What do I wear? How do I act? What will they be like etc. etc. I went in with a very professional attitude even though I have a very laid back personality. I was a hard worker and kept a friendly face around clients and workers. I realize the importance of upholding the company name when you are working for someone else. The only thing I could have done better would be more consultation and interaction with the clients themselves. I wanted to be more in the background and behind the scenes because I wasn't sure what the bosses wanted. in the future i will be sure to be more outspoken on the day of the events. But I am proud of some of the ideas I presented at client meetings and times of need.

Communication Skills: Need for Improvement. Communication has been something I've needed to sharpen (and realized I've needed to sharpen) for a long time. Sometimes I am afraid to speak up or just afraid to say the wrong thing it is easier to say nothing at all. There are also times when instead of asking for help when I should I let something go on too long because I try to find a solution on my own. Communication is key, and have been trying to find it on the key ring for some time. It was especially hard to stay in communication at some points because the  the girl I was subleasing from unexpectedly cancelled our wifi at the beginning of the summer. And after many other strokes of bad luck I fell victim of cellphone and wallet theft. All of these factors made communication and all forms of internet work very difficult. But lesson learned: Always speak up, remain in constant communication whether or not you may think it will be annoying, and ALWAYS check emails and deadlines despite the major anxiety that they give you.

Professional Judgements: I would give myself good marks in all aspects of this field. I worked my butt off for the company and never let fact that I was barely getting paid get in the way. I taught myself that I am extremely loyal and dedicated to anyone I am behind. I was/am always polite and professional yet also personable and friendly. I think I understand how to be an employee with the right attitude, people skills, work ethic, and dedication to any employer. I definitely noticed a change for the better from day one to today. I notice more things, I see problems before they arise and I know how to fix them. I now have gained so much knowledge from this experience and also many achievements for the company, and not to mention some great new contacts/friends!

Everyone has different skills and great abilities to bring to the table but but being able to realize that fact is something I think I possess which can sometimes be more important that everything. Being able to have an unbiased and clear perspective on what is going on is something I have always been able to do. Knowing which talents to utilize at which particular moments is a great tool because this industry is faced with new sets of circumstances on a daily and even hourly basis. There were times when you have to get down and dirty during set up/clean up. You can't be afraid to run out in the rain to save a table cloth from getting wet. It can't be beneath you to pick up a dirty napkin from the floor. It also came in handy in the realization that this was a husband and wife's special day, it doesn't matter how hard or silly you think a task is it is your job to make their wish come to reality. If you are having a terrible day or someone is rude to you one must still put on a happy face and remain polite. There should also be no half-assing when it comes to a person's event, get done what needs to be done. Attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics are also important abilities when it comes down to it.

I need improvement in communication and timeliness on multiple accounts. Communication in e-mails, deadlines, and responsiveness. Also standing up for myself and being more confrontational when I think something should be different. The timeliness improvement is needed because there is only a short timeframe to get some tasks done, and although making something flawless is great, it must be done with haste.

My best experience here was being able to live in Charleston over a summer and being able to work for two people I have grown to really enjoy. I have realized the immense impact that working in an amazing environment has on a person's spirit. I am so glad I got to build relationships with the people I worked with. I've always been a huge advocate for fun and happiness; a person should never to settle for mediocracy. Plus living in a beautifully historic ocean front city within 20 minutes from the beach never fails to put a smile on my face! Oh and every time I had an idea that the others liked gave me a boost of confidence. 

The worst experience was the way my feet and back felt after non-stop work from the early morning to after midnight (and knowing I would only make about $100). Although it was rewarding knowing I was working hard. (In general) Having all of our things stolen from a condo and being stranded in Hilton Head was also not the highlight of my summer.

Biggest fashion lesson learned you ask? It is that fashion can be seen in everything. People constantly try to categorize our world into neatly defined segments and I think it is ridiculous. Look around. Fashion is in the history, it is in the way we look at others, it is in how we express ourselves, it is in movies, in businesses, it is in art and culture. Every part of our world is reflected on every other part as well. Fashion is one of the main aspects of a wedding. The bride searches high and low to pick one gown she will walk down the aisle in just once. The dress could be the first thing picked out for the wedding or the last. Now think about what is the first thing you ask to see when a friend announces her engagement, yes the ring. There you have two of the major factors of a wedding are strictly material pieces of fashion. One a dress and one an accessory. Fashion is clothing and a reflection of an individual's personal style and preference. Literally girls everywhere dream of their fantasy wedding and the style that will shine through their special day. 

Yours Truly,

Jessica