<p><span class="p-body">For many <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-event-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Event Management</a> students, studying in NYC is a dream come true. After all, does any other place on earth do events like we do? Current student Veraya Chotviboonlux knows this well, having grown up in Queens. We were excited to speak with her to learn more about her experience in the program so far, where she has her sights set on next, and her advice for prospective students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Hailing from Queens, Veraya has Thai Chinese roots and has always been captivated by live performances in Thailand and the energy they bring. Her love for concerts and journaling has guided her toward a career path in event management. She chose NYU for its strong academic reputation and comprehensive Event Management program, knowing it would be the ideal place to learn the ins and outs of planning and organizing events.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Since joining the MS in Event Management program at NYU SPS, Veraya's experience has surpassed her expectations. From the outset, she immersed herself in opportunities that have enhanced her understanding of the events industry. She participated in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m--tisch-center-of-hospitality/highlights/2022/Tisch-Center-Student-Club-Spotlight-HTES.html" target="_blank">Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Society (HTES) club</a>, which enabled her to visit different event sites and gain insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing successful events. Veraya believes that meeting new people with similar interests and hearing about their ambitions has also significantly enhanced her experience.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">A hands-on learning approach is at the heart of the Event Management program at NYU. Veraya's course on concert management gave her the opportunity to plan and produce a live show. Working with her teammates, she learned every aspect of event production—from selecting an artist and securing a venue to executing the event day itself. This experience, Veraya shares, deepened her passion for live events and allowed her to understand the complexities of the industry. She recalls the sense of accomplishment when she first saw the show come together: &quot;From researching to working on the day of the show, I was able to first-handedly experience how a show is 'created.'&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Veraya credits NYU SPS with preparing her to thrive in her chosen field. She points out that her experiences go beyond the classroom, including club activities, workshops, guest speaker events, and meaningful interactions with faculty members.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I was able to obtain valuable insight in many different areas that have expanded my awareness of available resources that can be used to help me in my career path as well as staying ahead of emerging trends in my field.&quot;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">As she looks forward to graduation, Veraya plans to jump into the live events industry by seeking opportunities that will allow her to gain more experience and expand her professional network. She hopes to join a company specializing in producing and executing live shows, whether big or small, and grow her career from there. The MS in Event Management program has been vital to developing her knowledge and skills while providing the tools needed to take on these challenges, and she is ready to put them into action.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Two classes that have significantly impacted Veraya's experience are Managing Contracts and Risks and Facilities and Venue Management. She explains that these courses helped her understand the fundamental concepts of event planning and gave her practical projects that mirrored real-world scenarios. &quot;Both professors were truly inspiring and also brought interesting and unique perspectives to the classroom as they have years of experience in the event industry. Their guidance and feedback allowed me to understand what I can improve on and how I can better approach certain situations.&quot;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>F<span class="p-body">or incoming NYU SPS students, Veraya has some simple advice: step out of your comfort zone. As an introvert herself, she understands how daunting this can be, but she believes it is the best way to discover new opportunities and learn more about oneself. She encourages students to take that first step, reminding them that there are always people—professors, classmates, and faculty advisors—ready to offer support and guidance.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As Veraya continues to build her career, she remains excited about what lies ahead and confident in the foundation she has built at NYU.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Great events need great event managers. Take your place in the center of the industry when you pursue an <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/masters-degrees/ms-in-event-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Event Management at NYU SPS</a>.</span></p>