Happiness Connoisseur

Event planning is a notoriously high-pressure industry. From weddings 和 proms to fundraisers 和 seminars, getting all of the details right is a delicate balance. For Jill Perry ’21, MBA的22, nothing is more exciting than being the mastermind behind a well-executed event.

“I’m passionate about making other people happy,” says Jill, who is double majoring in 医疗保健 和 business management. “Nothing makes me more inspired or motivated than seeing people’s faces light up when they enjoy an event I put on.”

Taking a class on career development was one of the most beneficial courses Jill took at Elms. “It helped me make my resume, create a LinkedIn profile, 和 learn how to network with business professionals.”

Jill’s passion for event planning blossomed at Elms. As the president of the Student Activities Board, she gained firsth和 experience working with others to host events for the student body. She also built her leadership skills as a captain of the 舞蹈团队. Getting involved in student organizations was invaluable, 她说, since they gave her a different perspective on managing teams.

Fast-Track to an MBA

The biggest advantage of the accelerated BA/MBA program at Elms is that undergraduate students can earn two degrees in five years. Jill began taking graduate classes during her senior year to gain a deeper underst和ing of how to start a business. 专注于 entrepreneurship was helpful, 她说, because it sets the stage for her career in event planning.

“I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to continue my education at Elms,” 她说. “ I knew I would be more successful with my future career if I got my 硕士 here as well.”

 “Being a small school, it’s easier to make connections with professors, 和 they offer great opportunities to network with outside professionals.”

Networking with local business leaders gave Jill the opportunity to complete an internship with Junior Achievement of Western 麻萨诸塞州, an organization that teaches youth how to navigate, 和 succeed within, a globalized economy.

“I helped JA execute their first socially distant golf tournament,吉尔说。, who helped define the marketing strategy for the event. “It was a big hit, 和 very successful.”

Jill’s advice to high school students interested in business is to take advantage of networking opportunities like the ones found at Elms. 为她, the business program gave her the tools she needed to feel confident about starting her own venture. 

“I think Elms has definitely prepared me to start my own business,” 她说. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”