From English teacher to events manager

Before getting a job as an events manager, Carla Russell had little experience within events management and credits her success in landing the job as a mixture of good timing and pure chance.

“I’d been away from New Zealand for nearly 11 years and had just returned from working as an English teacher in Taiwan. Getting this job was just a case of being in the right place at the right time.  I overheard a conversation, saw an opportunity and went for it.”

Although Carla has had no formal training in marketing and her degree was in an unrelated field, she didn’t allow this to stop her from taking on something entirely new.

“I went back to uni when I was 26. I’d tried it first-time round straight from high school, lasted six months, and then quit to go travelling.  Second-time round I was much more prepared, and had gotten a clearer picture of who I was and what I wanted to study.  I chose Mandarin and Asian studies, which doesn’t really have a whole lot to do with the job I do today! 

“But, saying that, in studying such a challenging subject it certainly shaped me.  It gave me a firm basis to be in the position where I am today, and taught me not to be afraid to try new things even if they’re outside of what I’m usually comfortable with.

“If a new opportunity came up for me tomorrow, and the circumstances were right, I would take it, even if it was in a totally different area or field.  It’s important to be open to opportunities, and not be afraid to grab them when they come, even if it means you have to change your lifestyle to accommodate them.  Be flexible. 

“We have so much available these days and don’t have to settle on one job for the rest of your life – this is the rest of your life. It can be as challenging and exciting as you want it to be.”