Bay State College Alumni Success - Beth Nelson
Beth Nelson, Class of 2011
Major: Entertainment Management, Bachelor's
Current Job/Position Title: Event Services Manager
Company: Tillinger’s Concierge and Event Planning Inc.
What inspired you to study what you did while at Bay State College?
I wanted to be a part of the Entertainment Industry in some way. I love events, movies, music, and television, and I wanted to find a way to learn more about the things I love and potentially build a career out of it.
What did you enjoy most about your education at Bay State College?
I loved that I could really specifically study Entertainment Management. There wasn’t much filler and that allowed my passion for the industry to flourish.
Did you have a favorite class/instructor?
I had a few favorite instructors: Patrick Preston, Jessica White, and Julie Viscardi. They knew the ins and outs of the Entertainment Industry and had first hand experience in it. They not only taught me about the industry, but also brought something out of me that I didn’t know I had.
What do you currently do now/how did you get there?
I am an Event Services Manager for the Back Bay Event Center. I also help out with various off-site events my company plans, as well as events at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse.
I started out doing smaller jobs such as Access Control, Ushering, and Ticket Taking at the Back Bay Event Center after I graduated. The Event Manager at the time needed additional help managing events during the busy season. She knew that I wanted to progress, so she took me under her wing. I started picking up more and more managing shifts and was receiving great feedback from the staff and clients about my work ethic. When a position opened up, the staff recommended me, and I jumped at the opportunity.
How did Bay State College prepare you for your career?
Bay State College prepared me for what to expect when starting out in the Entertainment Industry; long hours, hard work, and dealing with a lot of different personalities. When I started working events, I had a handle on what to do and I knew the lingo. I knew what to expect and how to deal with what came my way. If I didn’t have that education, I definitely wouldn’t have moved up here as fast as I did.
What is a piece of advice you can give current students?
The piece of advice that I would give a current student is put yourself out there and enjoy it. Take as many internships as you can, meet new people, be involved in school, and work hard. It isn’t just about getting a job; it is about building yourself and finding who you are. All these things will help you get to where you want to be.