How many people can say that after two weeks of interning at a job they would be on their first international trip to Las Vegas (and all at the age of 19)? That is the story of Shannon Nichols, one of FCM Meeting and Event’s rockstar Project Coordinators.
Shannon was first introduced to FCM Meetings and Events (FCM M&E) during her time at university and interned for the brand for 6 months before being offered a permanent part-time position in late 2019.
Shannon was drawn to apply for the role with FCM M&E as she admired the infectious and inclusive culture that she witnessed first-hand during her internship.
“I think the people you work with day-to-day attribute a lot of your job satisfaction. Beyond the wonderful community atmosphere, FCM M&E prioritises their people and individual growth,” she says.
Shannon hit the ground running in her new role and the team knew straight off the bat that Shannon shared the same unique DNA as all Flighties and sent her on a plane halfway across the world to gain valuable hands-on experience working on their largest incentive event in Las Vegas.
“Crazy right? This trip was not only so fundamental to my learning and development, but it was genuinely so fun and exciting,” Shannon recalls.
“Travelling to my first international destination, seeing Cirque Du Soleil, exploring the streets of Vegas and calling it all ‘work’ was truly an amazing experience. Not to mention it highlighted to me early on how much the team treats each other like family.”
A few months into her new role the COVID-19 tidal wave hit and due to the pandemic’s impact on the industry, FCM M&E, unfortunately, had to say goodbye to many of their staff, including Shannon.
Luckily for the team, it wasn’t a goodbye but rather a see you soon and as FCM M&E and the events industry slowly moved away from their hibernation periods, Shannon was able to rejoin her team in December 2021 and has since been in her full-time Project Coordinator role for over three months.
Shannon is most excited about the buzz that the return of international travel has left across the industry. As the world continues to open up, more and more brands are keen to explore what this means for their business.
"It’s exciting to see how much [the return of travel] has increased business and instilled confidence across the industry,” says Shannon.
For those who are considering either joining or returning to the travel and events industries Shannon’s advice is to run not walk.
“Do it! The demand is high and there is a renewed sense of energy in the industry, now that we can hold events again. If you love challenging work that is ever-changing – then this industry is for you,” says Shannon.
Behind the scenes of Shannon working at FCTG's Global Gathering in Las Vegas.
Are you ready to show your hand? FCM M&E is on the hunt for more hard-working go-getters to join their team. If you are looking to kickstart your dream career in the industry or are a seasoned professional looking to rejoin the work you love, apply now! Now hiring across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
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