Barbie Viney
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
At The Four Seasons Columbus in Hilliard, Ohio. My job title is Event Coordinator. I work on the wedding details, contacting the vendors, setting up the
weddings, and working the weddings.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with the brides on making their day come true, and helping them on the day of the wedding. I love that moment when I am holding the train of
the brides dress to fan it out right before she walks down the walk way and she looks at me and says "thank you for getting me to this point today."
That makes all the crazy times before worth it 100%.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
I am the person with the new eye looking at the facility. I have offered some new ideas to make things even better, like new centerpiece idea
and napkin folds, to give brides more options but also makes the reception room look a little more beautiful
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would like to see myself in a really upscale, busy event company that allows me the opportunity to work all different kinds of events from weddings
to really important events. I would love to say owning my own event business, but I really don't think I want that - I don't think I would enjoy the business
side of it as much as I enjoy the working of the events.
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.
I would recommend RST. Our major is very different. It offers a wide variety of learning and opportunities in the career world. When people hear about
the major they are very impressed, because it is something that is not offered at other universities and that you graduate with knowledge on all three topics
(Recreation, Sport, AND Tourism). It allows you the chance to do whatever you want to do with it. Study hard and take advantage of what the professors can
teach you. They have connections and experience out in the real world. Ask for advice and help. Also, try to find the best internship you can. I had a
really good opportunity and it feel through, so I had to take the first thing that was out there at the last opportunity moment and it was not what I wanted
or needed. Search long and hard for a great opportunity and take full advantage of it. Don't quit. Keep trying to find that job. You can send out 100+
resumes and it can take months, but you WILL find something. Keep looking and don't give up. Keep trying to make your resume better and politely bug the
people you send them too. Once you send out your resume call the people about every other week and check up on the job position. It may seem like you are
bothering them, but it really shows the employer that you are interested and determined. GOOD LUCK!
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
Start gaining contacts early. It is never too early to have people know your name and your career goals. Also, don't put all your "eggs in one basket".
When it comes to the internship, get all the experience you can get and don't think it is going to just happen, work hard to find a good opportunity for yourself.