Megan Gray
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
I am currently working at The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, IL. My job title is Tourism and Group Sales Coordinator.
I have a primarily sales focused position and work on generating revenue through group ticket sales, hotels ticket sales and small
events for the Museum. The small events include birthday parties, holiday events, cocktail receptions, behind-the-scenes tours and
more! I also work on market research and smaller marketing tactics done through email or corporate partnerships.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy putting an event together from the first phone call to the final payment and then hearing about how much the group enjoyed
spending time at the Museum. Each work day is as different and my clients. From a dinosaur birthday party for a 5-year old to a
corporate after hours reception, to a group of medical professionals on a zoology behind-the-scenes tour; every case is different
and it keeps my work day interesting.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
My most valuable contribution to the Park District is being a people person and trying to focus on customer satisfaction. As
mentioned above, I really enjoy talking with those people who participate in our programs. I take pride in remembering a family,
a kid's name, what they want at the concession stand, etc. I think it is those types of things that as a participant you really
remember and appreciate. It can be hard with all of the programs, events, and general work that you have to do to focus and care
about this but I think that is what makes people want to come back the most.
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
That's hard to say! For now I really enjoy working in a non-profit setting, but one day I would like to own my own reception hall or
event planning business in a smaller community than Chicago. I love working events, but I enjoy the pre-planning and business side
of them even more.
Q. Do you have any words of advice/recommendations? a. for undergrads still searching for a major-would
you recommend RST and why?, b. for the undergrads currently in the program c. for the senior currently looking for his/her
first position.
a. I would definitely recommend RST as a major. I feel like the staff in the department really motivated me and got me excited about my future career.
Every part of it was extremely valuable from interviewing skills to marketing classes. Plus, being in a smaller major allows for the opportunity to get to
know your classmates and future colleagues in the RST field!
b. I’m sure you have heard this millions of times, but GET EXPERIENCE! Seriously, most employers want at least a year under your belt and 300 hours/one
semester of an internship usually doesn't cut it. There are a lot of non-profit organizations that need volunteers for events, summer internships in your
home town, and part-time gigs in the Champaign-Urbana area. You just have to put yourself out there and try as many venues as you can. It may be unpaid,
but at this time in your career, experience is more valuable. Then you will have the upper hand when looking for your first full-time job and you'll know
what kind of career you want to pursue.
c. Apply anywhere and everywhere. Save all of your resumes so that they can be tailored specifically to each employer and you can easily pull them up
again when you get an interview. Try not to focus on just one type of venue or company; right now it's about getting your foot in the door. So you're a
tourism major and you might not be interested in working security for sporting events, it's still a way to enhance your resume while searching for your
dream job. Apply for positions even if you are a little shy of the required years of experience; your RST degree is sometimes more appealing that the 1
year of experience you don't have. Save all potential employers under a 'favorites' tab on your web browser and check them every other day. You never
know when a new position will open up!
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
The tourism community is a big web of networking colleagues. Get to know as many people as possible and you'll be surprised how many will be eager
to help connect you to a potential employer. Don't be afraid to call on help from fellow alumni for assistance. I am always amazed at how many people
I have met through different contacts and the great opportunities that have come with it. Enjoy your time as an undergrad in the RST Department. It goes by
really fast, but it’s also a lot of fun!