Meet MEA's newest Diploma of Event Management Graduate [SIT50316] - Rachel!

MEA was thrilled to catch up with Rachel Merton to chat with the newest graduate of its Diploma of Event Management program to ask her about her favourite topics, what she's looking forward to now that she's graduated, and to pass on any advice she has for those considering doing MEA's Diploma.

MEA: What did you learn during the Diploma of Event Management course?

Rachel: “It was really good to know that as a regional centre, we are keeping up with industry best practice. The course was a great reminder of how many components go into putting events together.  I’m generally planning most events myself, or with one other person, so whilst you’re thinking all the time about the event as a whole, it can be difficult to slow down and look at each component on its own and break it down, so that was a helpful takeaway for me.”

MEA: What was your favourite topic?

Rachel: “Event Concepts – I really loved being able to brainstorm and put together an event with no budget limitations.  Obviously, we all have budget constraints and working for a regional council you must be quite conscious of this.  The Event Concepts module was fun to work through as we were able to really explore cutting-edge technology and dream big without those constraints.  This was a module where we presented our concepts and storyboards to industry experts which was a great experience as well.  Our Brisbane Olympic Games opening ceremony was going to be amazing!!” 

MEA: How will you use what you have learned in your current role?

Rachel: “A lot of the modules and assessment tasks are readily transferable into my role.  I’ve been able to incorporate a number of tools and templates as I’ve progressed through the course into my events which has been a great business improvement for our operations. It was helpful to be able to submit assessment tasks based on events that I work on, making the learnings so much more practical to implement and use in my workplace.”

MEA: What are you most looking forward to now that you have the SIT50316 Diploma of Event Management qualification under your belt?

Rachel: “I think I will enjoy the knowledge that I have completed the course, it has been a long road but one I am proud to have finished.  I regularly go back to the course notes and assessment tasks to take learnings and incorporate those into my events.”

MEA: If you could give one piece of advice to those thinking about doing the course, what would you say?

Rachel: “I wanted to do this course as a way of cementing my knowledge from over 15 years of on-the-job experience. It was a great way of collaborating with others in the industry across the state and there is such a variety of backgrounds and experience of those undertaking the course with you.  I found those connections valuable. The trainers are flexible and understanding of work/life balance, so if you are unsure if you have room for study in your life, don’t let that deter you from giving it a go. You will make it through!”

MEA: Do you have any further feedback about the Diploma or your experience?

Rachel: “The workshops and boot camps are a great networking tool as well as a learning experience. There were opportunities to get feedback and advice from industry leaders that is probably not available if you were to do the course through another provider.  MEA provides some great support and access to experts throughout the course, who are all very generous. As a DNSW scholarship recipient, it is valuable to have that industry support, especially for those of us in regional areas who often can’t easily tap into those networks.”

Thank you Rachel for sharing your experience with the Diploma! For those interested in learning more about studying with MEA, click here for more information.