GetSmarter - Q&A with Mandy Ross

What do you do?
I am the course convener for the University of Cape Town Event Management Course run by GetSmarter, in affiliation with the University of Cape Town. I also am the course convener and lecturer for the post graduate Event management module at the University of Cape Town. The key responsibility of my job as a Course Convener for the UCT Events Management course is to make sure I equip the students with both the knowledge and practical know-how to go out and forge successful careers within the events industry. The GetSmarter course is an part-time online course, which covers a range of in depth material on the events industry. There are  video lectures by industry professionals including myself as well as interactive discussion forums where the students can ask me questions and generally network and learn from other students. They have access to me every day of the 10 week course. The aim of the course is to provide a well-rounded view of the event industry and this is achieved through informative notes, extra readings, videos and discussion forum notes each week.  Each week students are required to submit an assignment, which tests their knowledge on each section of the course.

What training did you do and what qualifications do you have?
I have an undergraduate degree in Film and Media from the University of Cape Town and a Post graduate diploma in Management with a special elective in event management, also from the University of Cape Town. I have lived and worked in the United States doing market research and film testing as well as events, specifically film premiers and related industry parties.

What did you do before you had this job?
I managed one of South Africa’s largest event infrastructure companies events divisions for 7 years and also managed and produced many national large scale events during this time. I have worked on a wide range of events from large political gatherings to intimate weddings and corporate functions all over South Africa.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years (in terms of your career)
I would like to continue in the path of teaching and grow both my event management courses in the next few years. The event industry is so vast and constantly growing and there is a need for trained professionals. I would also like to start up my own event consulting business, which will allow me the flexibility I need with a family.

How do you plan to get there?
I plan on working hard at marketing my courses in conjunction with GetSmarter and the University of Cape Town to appeal to a wide range of people. I already have relationships in the events industry, which I will use when I am ready to start my consulting project. I am currently setting up my own website and brainstorming innovative ideas for the future business.

To learn more, consider the part-time University of Cape Town Events Management short course presented online on 12 March 2011 throughout South Africa. Call Amy-Jane on 021 447 7565 or visit www.GetSmarter.co.za for more information.