After recently graduating college and taking on a role in the event and ticket business there are a few key points that I think are crucial in achieving a successful transition. Now while this is by no means comprehensive this should help provide a clearer understanding to others who are getting ready to make this move.
Adapting to Deadlines
In college your assignments for the entire class are often given to you on the first day of class, with definitive deadlines. The predictability of your workload makes it much easier to manage your time and complete assignments by their due dates. In the event and ticket business however things are much more face paced and changing deadlines that require you to be more agile and manage your time more effectively. Having a slow week on the ticket side? Work on your event side.
Building your Network
As a student preparing to graduate you are making connections with potential employers, internships and companies that serve as your foundation as you prepare to enter the professional world. Transitioning into the work environment requires you to expand your network and build on already established relationships. Attending trade shows, networking events, conferences and growing your LinkedIn will grow your contacts in the business.
Understanding Technology
While college provides general skills and ideas to help you succeed in your work life, learning to use specific software, platforms and tools are a necessity to succeeding in this business. I encourage everyone to take some initiative and preemptively use platforms like LinkedIn to help smooth out your transition into the business. Having an understanding of the day to day processes of the business will allow you to manage your time more efficiently and ultimately grow your business faster.
Embracing Flexibility and Problem Solving
College life is relatively structured with definitive deadlines and class times, the event and ticket business however is full of unexpected challenges. Whether it be an issue fulfilling orders, last minute adjustments, changes in schedule or technical faults these all require you to be quick thinking and have flexibility in both your time and methods. Having some creativity and problem solving skills can reduce these pain points and help you succeed in the fast paced world of events and tickets.