Q&A with Mason!
1. What has your journey been like after graduating from MSU Denver?
Since graduating from MSU Denver, I have experienced tremendous growth and development. I earned my bachelor’s degree two years early and was immediately offered an opportunity to work in the events world at a unique and beautiful venue. It’s hard to believe it has already been two years since I walked across the stage, but I hit the ground running and have never stopped learning, which has greatly contributed to my rewarding journey. I have also had the opportunity to take some wonderful vacations (and have my email turned off)! I have traveled to Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, and have plans to travel to France & Belgium this upcoming September.
2. Can you talk about your current role at the Denver Botanic Gardens?
My role at the Denver Botanic Gardens has evolved significantly over the past few years. I joined the events team in October 2021 as a seasonal employee, assisting with the annual Blossoms of Light Holiday Light Show. In July 2022, I transitioned to the role of Private Events Assistant, which was perfect timing as I was looking for a full-time job right after graduating in May. This office and administrative role allowed me to gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of events. In September 2023, I was promoted to Venue Sales Representative. In this role, I continue to handle administrative duties but now also focus on venue sales and client relationships. The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts around 500 private events per year, and I have already booked 42 events for this year, overseeing them from the initial inquiry through event execution.
3. What does a typical workday look like for you?
I have two different types of days at the Denver Botanic Gardens. On office days, I handle typical deskwork duties such as responding to inquiries, creating contracts, drafting floor plans, and conducting onsite venue meetings with both potential and booked clients. Additionally, I have the wonderful pleasure of digging myself out of the dreaded email inbox that piles up when I am away from my desk working events. On event days, I oversee my booked events, being onsite from setup through teardown to ensure that all rules and policies are adhered to by contracted vendors. We also check in with our clients to ensure they are having a fantastic experience at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
4. What are you passionate about in the work that you do?
I grew up assisting my grandparents and aunt on a flower and produce farm in Prosser, WA, and later studied Event & Meeting Management at MSU Denver. Working at the Denver Botanic Gardens is the perfect blend of my personal & professional passions. I’m also passionate about helping people create their ideal event and take pride in meeting clients’ specific visions and standards. I understand and appreciate the importance of details and precision. Additionally, my family’s farm, Buggirls Garden, is still thriving in Benton City, WA, which keeps me connected to my roots and inspires my work.
5. In what ways has your MSU Denver experience had an impact on your career and shaped who you are today?
MSU Denver has had a significant impact on my career. I am very thankful to my academic advisor for allowing my seasonal position at Denver Botanic Gardens to qualify for my internship hours. I also want to express my gratitude to my contract professor, Dr. Inna Soifer, who taught us how to read and navigate contracts thoroughly. Now that I oversee contracts for a popular venue that is also a living museum, the skills I learned in her class have been invaluable. Additionally, MSU Denver helped me further discover who I am and come out of my shell. Moving here by myself, I’m glad I was able to find a wonderful support system of friends and professionals that I get to work with from time to time since the world of events is connected.
6. What career advice would you give to current and prospective MSU Denver students?
My advice is to be patient, whether you’re waiting for a job opportunity or navigating your current role. I worked three jobs while attending school full-time to support myself and my cat in my studio apartment, graduating without taking out any student loans. This hard work has paid off tremendously. You might feel restless in your first job after college, thinking your skills aren’t being fully utilized. However, it’s better to get your feet wet gradually rather than jump in headfirst and risk feeling overwhelmed. I began as a seasonal employee and have grown into a successful sales representative in just two short years. Being a sponge during the first year and a half allowed me to absorb the skills needed to succeed today. Remember, real-life experience is very different from college experience!