In any party planning crisis—the vivacious and fashion forward, Miss Janie Carlisle is the go to girl for innovative tips and party-theme advice. We caught up with Janie to get the dish on her extraordinary internship planning lavish parties and what it takes to make it in the event-planning business!
From Janie:
Hi HerCampus! My name is Janie Carlisle and I’m currently a senior at DePauw! I’ve lived in Northbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) for my entire life, and I hope to move to the city after I graduate in May. I’m a Sociology major with minors in Psychology and Education. I live at the beautiful Pi Beta Phi, and I have a rather crazy obsession with the color PINK! Around campus, I’m involved with the First-Year Mentor Program, I’m a General Manager of College Mentors for Kids, and I’m one of three co-hosts to the famous campus radio show “BREAKFAST WITH THE BABES!”
1) Working at a party planning company is such a rare experience! How did you nail this awesome internship?
I think it was a mix of luck and being in the right place at the right time! I was home completing a different internship this summer, but one Saturday during the summer I had decided to stop at my mom’s gift shop where I met Kelly Lyden, the owner and creative leader of WH Hostess. We had a lovely conversation, and continued to stay in touch when I went back to DePauw for senior year. She was happy to offer me an internship opportunity when I expressed interest in working for her company over winter term. It just goes to show you never know when your next opportunity might come up!
2) Can you give us an overview of what a typical day was like? ?
This is a tough one, because there were so many different things I did on a daily basis, which was why this was such an amazing experience! Some of the tasks included meeting with clients who we were planning potential events for, as well as updating and contributing to the company’s famous blog “The Party Dress” (http://www.thepartydress.net/blog/). I loved that Mrs. Lyden gave me the opportunity to utilize my creative talents and people-oriented mindset.
3) What were some hardships you encountered with your job and how would you suggest handling the unexpected in a professional manner for future interns?
I think the most difficult part was getting used to the extremely fast-pace lifestyle of the event planning industry. There are so many clients who are looking to the company for inspiration, and we have to be quick and savvy with the hottest trends and new creative ways to host an event. I would say the best way to cope with the fast pace is to make yourself an hour-by-hour (or minute-by-minute) schedule for how you plan to conquer the daily tasks. It will keep you and your host less stressed, and much more productive!
4) What is your favorite memory of working at WH Hostess? Did anything especially outrageous ever happen?
We had a particular client whom we were planning a “triple graduation” party for her three children graduating from college, high school and middle school. The client envisioned a “black-tie” event in her gorgeous backyard of her home. Mrs. Lyden and I had such a fabulous time working together to come up with the perfect theme and color-scheme for the trendy event scheduled for mid-June.
5) What do you hope to do after graduating from college? Did the experience make you more interested in pursuing a career in party planning?
I am planning to go into Marketing and Public Relations with an emphasis on fashion, beauty and hospitality. I have not finalized where I will begin my career after graduating in May, however my internship with WH Hostess definitely strengthened my interest in pursuing a career that is fast-paced, trendy and people-oriented.
6) During your internship, what were some of your favorite projects and why?
My all time favorite project was being given the opportunity to compile my very own magazine spread that will be featured in the Spring 2012 magazine that will be released in mid-March. It is “Cinco De Mayo” themed, so I was a total fan of all the bright colors and margaritas! Mrs. Lyden was so helpful in driving my inspiration in the right direction, and allowing me to truly utilize my creative talents in party presentation.
7) How has your experience at DePauw prepared you for the internship? Did you find any classes or extracurricular activities especially useful? ?
I definitely feel that the writing classes I have taken at DePauw has truly prepared me for the high standard of writing and editing I was expected to do for the company’s blog, official website and magazine. Taking on numerous leadership roles in Pi Beta Phi has also helped me to have a driven and organized mindset throughout my internship with WH Hostess.
8) Do you have any suggestions for students who are trying to land an internship in the field of event planning?
The best thing you can do is look at every situation as your next big opportunity! Don’t be afraid to show interest if you meet someone who is connected to the industry, and it’s important to be passionate about creativity and carry yourself well. Just go for it!