Barbara M
A business management graduate, Event Manager in the Human Resources Development and Innovation Department, in charge of the organisation of all seminar events, study days and evening events both on site and off site, including abroad, of the Credit Agricole S.A. and Corporate Human Resources Departments
How would you describe the position of “job title”?
Managing the organisation of events, both on- and off-site at Crédit Agricole, in France and abroad.
Validating the client’s needs and organising calls for tenders from the service providers involved in the event (catering, hostess services, technical services, transportation, entertainment, etc.) in line with the client’s requirements and in compliance with safety standards, outdoors, including the search for venues. Managing service providers before and on the day of the event. There is a strong advisory dimension and I monitor all service providers that may be required for the organisation of events.
Participating in trade fairs. Taking part in the running of the Business Community.
What are the peak periods of your job during the year?
The schedule of events follows the school holidays calendar with a peak in January, June/mid-July, and between September and December (Christmas holidays)
Can you describe your typical day?
Initiating files, validating the client’s needs, advising the client, carrying out consultation requests, analysing files depending on their specific characteristics and sending them to the client in legible format, and managing layouts and service providers. Conducting monitoring.
What career path is required to reach your position and what are the possibilities for development?
After working in a pension fund, I became a business and tourism tour guide. I worked in a business tourist agency where I managed several types of events ranging from congresses to seminars, incentive events, and evening events for all types of client including Top VIPs in France and abroad. In 1998, I carried out an assignment at Crédit Agricole S.A. in connection with the Football World Cup. I was called back in 1999 and I joined Crédit Agricole S.A. as a Project Manager before becoming Events Manager.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up a similar position?
This is an exacting job that requires organisation, meticulousness and availability. You need to be able to manage your own stress and that of clients. It is also a consulting job that calls for creativity. It is, in fact, an absolutely fascinating and dynamic job that is constantly evolving.