The toughest weeks so far - Get Smarter Events Management

As you all know I have been doing an Events Management course through UCT Get Smarter, I have completed weeks 1 through 7 (see posts here). I can't believe the weeks have flown by so quickly, only 3 left go before certificate time!

I have to say that weeks 5 and 6 have been the toughest weeks so far from a prioritising perspective. The content has so far been most relevant and relatable to my role in THE WKND SOCIAL module 5 Event operations and logistics and module 6 Event design and decor.

I was in New York for week 5, working while there (with a six hour time difference), packing up our NY apartment and trying to have a bit of vacation time. Once again the convenience of the online course made it simple to get my course work and submit my assignments for the two weeks I was in New York.

I had to however ask for an extension, which of course you have to motivate for, but the team at Get Smarter do understand the exceptional circumstances and pressures placed on career driven individuals like myself who are slashers (Zomato SA AVP / Blogger / Food writer). While I made every effort to schedule appropriately I did need a couple of extra hours in the week I got back from New York to submit my assignment 6.

Now that I'm back into the swing of things, you can find me at my desk dedicating an hour a day to Events Management. Next to the convenience, is the Get Smarter's team approach to online adult education and the understanding that sometimes no matter how much planning we do LIFE gets in the way.

In the craziness that was week 3 & 4 I'm winning - Get Smarter on Events Management

I'm writing from New York, where I have just submitted assignment 4. This is the beauty of this online course, you get UCT Get Smarter on the go wherever you are as long as you have an internet connection. Between travelling from SA, catching a music festival in Philadelphia and heading back to New York I had assignment 4 due.

I have received my marks for assignments 1 and 2, I have to say that I am quite happy with the results. Slightly below class average because of the 10% penalty due to handing in late but I'm averaging as a B student. Practically, that means that I understand the concepts and can absorb a 10% knock. Yes I'm out here putting my marks on blast.

Module 3 covered Bidding and securing an event and Module 4 covered Event organisation and project  management. I have to say that Module 4 has been the one that is most relevant to me at this moment and in relation to The WKND SOCIAL. It's great to see theory covering our (The Other Girls I mean) practical processes.

Module 4 includes; steps taken to plan and coordinate an event, Planning and coordinating tools and key factors to effective planning.

The gold nugget I would like to share from Module 4 "A realistic, achievable, firm schedule of activities aligned to a critical path. Clearly defined decision-making lines of communication and authority. A well-motivated and cooperative team."

I survived week 2 - GetSmarter on Events Management

As I sit and take a breath after the week I've had I am pleased to announce that I made it through week 2 of the Events Management Course. Although I have to note that I submitted my assignment late on the Tuesday so there was a 10% penalty.

This week in particular I appreciated the convenience of the online course, I could fit reading time and "class time" into my schedule which was usually after 10 pm. No rest for the wicked yo!  I'm travelling next week, so I'm really going to be putting my focus to the test. I'm glad that as long as I have Wifi I can still actively participate.

In week 2 we covered the Event role players; this includes sponsors, buyers (buyers of the event management service), suppliers and intermediaries. I found the number of roles players interesting and the subtle differences between roles players within the same category.

Here's to getting smarter week 3!

GetSmarter on events management - Wk 1

I've managed to get through my first official week of the 10 week Events Management course and I have to say it isn't for play play! I've had to focus on multi-tasking, prioritising and most of all been able to focus on one of my passions, Eventing!

Why Events Management: I'm passionate about creating niche, unique experiences. I figured it's about time I get to grips with the theory behind events, since we have a monthly event as the practical and I plan bridal showers on the regular. I also attend my fair share of events and would love to know what the benchmark is for success.

What makes the GetSmarter online courses compelling. For one it's over 10 weeks and although I'm still working on it, it's easy to schedule into my busy life. All it requires over the 10 week period is 7 hours a week, who doesn't have 7 hours a week to spare? So that means a couple of hours split over the week and weekend. Secondly, it's all online so all you need is a computer and wifi, then hey presto you're signed up. The event management course coordinator Dimitri is so hands and always ready to help.

Week one we covered the introduction to Events Management (see course information here) which has set the tone.  All the material is available online, email prompts and reminders are sent by the course coordinators, they don't let a thing slip through the cracks. It makes it easier when someone is there to egg you on.

My life right now

After handing in the first assignment, I have to say I'm nervous! Week one was a tad tough. I struggled a bit with juggling but I feel like I'm getting the hang of it.

This week I aim to be more active on the group forums and I even predict that I will submit assignment two before the deadline. *fingers crossed*

I'll be giving weekly updates and useful tips I've learnt each week.

Feed the mind, body and soul!

I've registered to GetSmarter on Events Management!

I've recently had the opportunity to enrol in a course that I'm passionate about with GetSmarter. I'm part of The Other Girls that bring Jozi THE WKND SOCIAL, I attend a lot of foodie events so it was natural for me to look at doing  enrolling in an Events Management course. I enrolled because I believe in adult learning & keeping the mind young.

If you're passionate about stretching the mind I would suggest having a look at their online short course offering. It's 10 weeks to a certificate and further enlightenment.

Here goes for 10 weeks of Event Management, feed the body, mind and soul!