Eleanor Clifton: Reflections

I am interested in pursuing a career path in event planning. My experience to date has been very focused on major sports so to further my resume in the industry, I accepted an internship in healthcare with EHMA. EHMA or European Health Management Association is a global international health management organization in Brussels tasked with organizing an annual medical event held in Rotterdam. EHMA is dedicated to the betterment of the medical industry. I was hired to be the event and marketing assistant to Federica. My specific duties put me in a position of working closely with her and generating media campaign ideas as well as branding ideas for the conference.

As the the capital of Belgium, Brussels is a major European tourist destination. New York City, Paris, London, Tokyo are peers of Brussels. Naturally, working in Brussels affords you the opportunity to meet many individuals and be exposed to many interesting cultural backgrounds. French and Dutch speakers are common. Thankfully, most everyone speaks English so I was rarely at a loss to communicate effectively. Being in a foreign country was a poignant reminder that the world is an ever-growing cultural melting pot and I will not always be in the safe seat! In this industry, it is particularly evident in the team’s nationalities and the types of corporate sponsors. I wanted to wow them with my Americanized skills and imagined that since they chose me over a list of over candidates, my input would be valued. Was I little scared? Sure. I've been taught that without fear, there is no prudence. Without prudence there is recklessness. I was prepared and ready to watch and learn as a 20 year old American student should be.

However, when called upon, I wanted to be ready with my answers. I wanted to be a valued contributor to the team. Time and circumstances quickly turned my experience around. When I look back at my texts to my parents, the COVID-19 situation plays out in a kind of surreal drama. Funny banter turns to concern, uncertainty then ultimately a flight out of Brussels back to the states on one of the earliest flights after President Trump addressed the nation. In regards to my internship with EHMA, this disruption has thrown a kink into the dynamics of working with my team. Zoom calls just aren't the same as gathering around the conference table to share lunch. I'm still busy doing branding for the upcoming conference.

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