With the summer at its midpoint, the chances are that you’re considering taking on a temporary job to make some money and save up for your next year at college. Or maybe you want to earn some extra cash for a new car? Whatever your reasons, event work is an excellent opportunity over the summer, and it can be lots of fun if you choose the right role.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the most important points on what the job entails and how to prepare for it to get the most out of your experience.

1. You will develop useful skills

It can be easy to assume that temping at a business event or a festival is a way to earn a few extra bucks without putting in much effort, but if you want a career in event management or marketing, it’s a brilliant way to develop tons of useful skills to use later in life.

You’ll learn how to organize your time individually and as part of a team, develop your networking skills as you meet up with other event staff and entrepreneurs, and learn to become more resilient and adaptable depending on who you’re working with. Moreover, working at an event gives you some basic event management skills. Even if you’re handing out flyers, you are still working as part of a team, and your contribution is important. Seize these opportunities.

Once the event ends, list the new things you’ve learned and the professional skills you’ve picked up. If you perform well and impress your manager, ask them for a reference. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door for permanent marketing, event, or management roles.

2. Learn your event staff responsibilities

The truth is that not every event role is going to be glamorous. You’ll probably have to start off in an entry-level position, and that might involve you dealing with the general public through catering or cleaning. You’ll have to power through this and accept that you’ve got to start off somewhere. Being part of a business event or festival is your chance to develop the previously discussed skills. But if you get stuck on a task that becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your fellow event staff will see you through it.

If you’re not enjoying your tasks at all, assess the situation and consider speaking with higher-ups about moving into a more enjoyable role based on your skill set and interests. Sometimes, this may not be possible. In these cases, try your best to stay composed. Use your breaks wisely to rest, eat, and gather energy to finish the tasks. Every role in your life provides valuable experiences, so don’t write the difficult situations off just yet.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s best to study your event staff job description beforehand. This should provide you the list of tasks and jobs you’ll need to focus on at the event and thus give you some time to prepare yourself physically and mentally.

3. Be smart with your packing

If you’re headed to a festival or a business event away from home, you’ll need to be smart with your packing. First, speak with your manager and understand the rules around the uniform. If you’ll be supplied with a kit when you get there, you’ll need some clothes to wear when you’re not working.

Think about amenities that will get you through the day, whether a family photograph or a face mask so that you can unwind in your hotel room or tent after a busy work day. If you’re fussy with your food, you might even want to bring some snacks you can enjoy on your break, and some money to spend at the restaurants or canteens on-site if food isn’t included during your shift. A water bottle is also a good idea, as drinks can be expensive at festivals and events.

4. You’ll need to put in work

The truth is that some events and festivals are super good fun, but it’s important that you remember you’re there to work. You can hang out with fellow staffers when you’re off shift and enjoy a drink or two, but be careful about drinking before a shift, as you’ll likely be breath tested if you’re working at a festival. Turning up hungover is simply unprofessional.

Take time to assess the situation when you first get to the job. Are your colleagues working hard, or do they let their hair down? Is your manager relaxed, or do they take a firm stance on punctuality and performance? That way, you’ll know whether or not you can take it easy and learn when you need to be straight-backed and work hard.

5. There are perks to the job

Whilst temping in events is hard work, there are some perks. Rather than roughing it with the guests at a festival, you’ll likely get a dedicated pitch on-site and even have private showers and toilets. Some festival organizers even offer their staff free food when on the job, saving you lots of money when you’re a “captive audience” away from home.

You will probably get to access the behind-the-scenes areas of your festival or event, too, where there will be refreshments and areas where you can relax after a busy shift - look for these as soon as you get there so you’ll know where to head before the communal areas get busy.

6. You’ll meet interesting people

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about working at an event is that you’ll meet many interesting people, both fellow staffers, and attendees. Whether you’re working at a festival or a business event, you’ll make great friends and get to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether they’re asking you where the bathroom is, or they need medical attention, your job is to ensure attendees have a good time and that they’re kept safe and happy, and you’ll likely have some humorous stories to tell your friends when you’re home!

7. You might get paid after the event

Finally, it’s essential to prepare yourself for finances and understand that some organizers only pay their staff when the event is over. This will all depend on your local payment laws and the nature of your contract. If you’re a freelancer, you’re free to invoice the organizers whenever you want, but things may be different if you’re taken on as a temporary or full-time employee. Make sure you speak with your hiring manager before getting started so that you know exactly when you’re going to be paid. That way, you’ll be able to budget accordingly and take some spending money for the event if you won’t be paid until you’re home.

There you have it - some things you should expect for your first events job. Whatever you’re getting up to this summer, remember to work hard, have fun, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. If you’re serious about a career in events or management, you’re already making great footsteps to a bright and prosperous career. Good luck!

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