VMS Internship: The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

Miah Moore (right) and the 2015 VMS interns.

When I applied for the VMS internship, I didn’t realize what a great opportunity IAVM was offering student members. I have been to other conferences that focus on my interests in the business and had always walked away feeling like I didn’t make a good impact on the people who were in attendance or felt that I wasn’t worth talking to. Even before arriving in Wheeling, I had a few individuals reach out through social media and via email congratulating me on the award and welcoming me to IAVM as a member. This really caught me off guard in a good way.

I had no idea what a great opportunity being a part of VMS was going to be or how willing the students and board members would be to talk to us interns. We were all greeted with smiles and friendly conversation about what they have done in the industry and what we interns hoped and dreamed to do with our careers. We were given plenty of opportunities to meet board members and teachers through luncheons, dinning out in Wheeling, and a dinner as well as breakfast with the board of regents. With over 300 in attendance at VMS, the networking opportunities were endless and allowed us interns to maximize our networking opportunities and meet people where our interests lie in the entertainment industry. Not only that, but we were able to sit through all the classes offered and learn about different and important aspects that drive the industry to positive outcomes. I myself learned about architecture; food service management; enhancing the experience with live events; marketing, advertising, and PR; making and delivering the deal; creativity in the workplace; event management; controlling costs; media relations; leadership and image; tort law; and seven elements of formulation.

I’ve had a particular interest in festivals and had this dream of working in this part of the industry for the last few years. I was able to meet a few individuals who play a big part in this area of the industry. Not only did they educate and share their stories but they also met with me in hopes of helping connect me with the right individuals so that I may get experience and even land a job after graduation. Individuals who aren’t even a part of the festival business reached out and said if I ever need anything or if I think they could help me in any way, that I could get in contact with them and they would help me in any way possible. Hearing this from people I had never met before that week was the best feeling in the world. It made me feel appreciated and helped me believe that people are starting to see that we are the future. Applying for the VMS internship is the best time I’ve ever spent and the best decision I’ve ever made. I want to encourage any students reading this to apply. Take the time and apply for all of the opportunities because I promise you that you WILL take something away from your experience. You won’t regret it.

I want to send a special thanks to Greg Wolfe, Jason LoRusso, Jason Rittenberry, and Mark Herrera for making us interns feel welcome and giving us the experience of a lifetime!

Please visit the IAVM Foundation page for more information on upcoming scholarship and internship opportunities.