Want to know what our past superhero apprentices really thought of The Apprentice Program?
- Christine Duke, Fall 2009 Apprentice
Today is your lucky day, as it’s time for this week’s #ApprenticeCaseStudy!
We interviewed Christine Duke who shared her insight into EXACTLY how The Apprentice Program helped gain tangible skills in event planning and boost her career…
What is your name?
Christine Duke
What did you love the most about The Apprentice Program?
I loved learning firsthand from an award-winning Event Planner. To not only be able to witness how she creates a first-class event from the beginning to end but to work right beside her on events and learn how she got from Point A to Point B was amazing.
What skills did you gain from The Apprentice Program?
I would say one of the biggest skills I learned that I still use to this day is the timelines. They are so helpful in so many ways and I love the detail that goes into them.
Did the Apprentice Program unlock doors for your career and/or help you get a job?
After The Apprentice Program, I was able to work events with The Simplifiers, as well as help plan a few weddings on my own as well. Today, I use the skills I learned from the program in my volunteer work with Texas State Alumni Association – Austin Chapter and with Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas helping with their events. I also use them in my current career where I am an IT Project Manager at .HomeAway. Managing a project and being an Event Planner have so much in common where you have to be organized, detail oriented and love logistics.
Are you still in the events industry? Where are you working now?
Currently I work as an IT Project Manager for HomeAway and do events on the side through volunteering and every now and then, a wedding.
Favorite thing you loved about working weddings with The Simplifiers?
My favorite thing about working with The Simplifiers is seeing the entire process and everyone’s smiles at the end of an event, as well seeing the lead wedding planner’s vision come to life. Mary can make anything come to life and has a way to personalize every event to the person/event no matter what it is or the client.
What Christine is GREAT at:
Every once in a blue moon, you get a teammate as GREAT as Christine…if we were a soccer team, she’s the midfielder who runs the fastest up and down the field, never misses a beat, always ready to help in a moment’s notice and totally hustles, no matter what the situation. Everyone needs a Christine on their team. She’s an excellent listener, a quick learner, has an incredible eye for detail and always made everyone around her (no matter if it was the bride, the vendors or her fellow event assistants) feel at ease. She oozes and radiates CALM, COOL and COLLECTED.