Samantha Swan
Graduate, Diploma of Business (Marketing) major in Event Management

Sam’s thoughts on her time at APM are below:

1. What made you choose to study at APM?
   
   I completed an APM course in 2000 and really liked it.
   
   
2. What were you doing previously to studying at APM?
   
   I am currently Project Manager for Genos. I am responsible for managing our resellers, the project management of our on-line system, organising functions, meetings and events and the day-to-day running of the office.
   
   
3. What did you enjoy about the course you studied?
   
   I learnt a lot from my fellow students through the project work. Also the lecturers, being working professionals and not academics, meant the learning was very practical which definitely helped me in my job application. I learnt so much about events and the different things you need to consider, especially the legal aspects. And APM has a great reputation in the industry.
   
   
4. What was your goal when you enrolled at APM?
   
   To get a job in event management.
   
   
5. What are you doing now?
   
   I am about to start a new job at the Entertainment Quarter (formerly Fox Studios) as Event and Venue Manager. I will be looking after all events at the EQ, including film shoots, movie premieres, concerts etc. I will also be licensee of the Forum and run this venue.
   
   
6. What were the most successful aspects of the APM course?
   
   Working on projects with other people that share your interest and learning from them.
   
   
7. What advice do you have for other APM students hoping to break into your field?
   
   Network, network, network, and don’t wait for it to come to you, make it happen. It is a proven fact that most jobs are found 85% through networking and who you know, so get out your address book and start calling.
   
   
8. Did you find it easy or hard to get a job after you graduated?
   
   Pretty hard, searching on “SEEK” within the events industry can be tricky. I found people won’t give you a go unless you have experience, but how are you supposed to get it if they don’t give you a go? Once I started using my head about working with my contacts the rest fell into place.
   
   
9. What other career goals or aspirations do you have?
   
   To own my own events company one day.
   
   
10. What other initiatives have you taken to help your career?
    
    Attending lots of events and seeing the different ways companies run events and thinking about what works and what doesn’t. Reading, researching and knowing what is happening in Sydney and around the world to source new ideas about running events differently.