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By Lim Pow Hong
She makes sure that the most important day in most people's lives - their wedding - is picture-perfect.
Joanna Tng, 23, is an assistant events sales manager at Traders Hotel. Her job is to organise events, specifically weddings, as well as sell space in the hotel for events such as corporate functions.
IN finds out from Joanna what it takes to help others with their big day.
IN: How did you know you wanted a career in events planning?
Joanna: Since I was 13, I have aspired to do this. I was a prefect in secondary school and I enjoyed organising concerts for Teachers? Day and year-end parties.
IN: What is the best part of your job?
Joanna: To be able to play a part in somebody's special occasion and seeing the satisfied looks on my clients? faces when they are happy with what I have done for them.
IN: What are the challenges that you face on the job?
Joanna: Sometimes, I have to make sure that not only are my clients happy but also their parents. Take for example, some parents may want red wedding invitation cards while the couple may prefer white. In this case, we advise the couple to use red cards for, say, 20 per cent of the wedding invitations and use white for the rest.
IN: What is the most challenging event that you have to organise?
Joanna: Outdoor ones! Singapore's weather is so unpredictable, I have to check weather reports to make sure that my client's special occasion does not get rained on. And it is not easy to convince clients to move their event indoors especially when the bride has her own vision of the perfect outdoor wedding.
IN: What is the most important skill you require in your job?
Joanna: People skills. Not only do I have to ensure that my clients are happy by meeting their needs, I also have to liaise with the other departments in the hotel such as the food and beverage department.
IN: What advice do you have for a fresh graduate seeking a job in your field?
Joanna: Academic qualifications are crucial but working experience in this industry is also critical. The exposure from an internship can give the new job applicant an edge.
| Joanna's eventful journey |
Joanna has had her eye on a job planning events since she was 13.
IN tracks Joanna's journey to where she is today and looks at how she made her dream come true.
1998 to 2001: Studied in Loyang Secondary and organised events such as the prefect?s camp in 2001.
2002: Began a Diploma in Tourism Management at Temasek Polytechnic.
2005: Interned with Cathay Pacific Airways as a customer service officer.
February 2006 to June 2007: Worked as a catering coordinator with Changi Village Hotel, where she was promoted to meeting services executive.
July 2007 to June 2008: Studied for a Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel and Tourism Management at the Singapore Institute of Management -International Hotel Management Institute (SIM-IMI).
July 2008 to now: Started work at Traders Hotel as assistant events sales manager. |
This article was first published in IN, a publication of The Straits Times, on Nov 10, 2008.
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