As a training coordinator I manage all the logistics for the training department at Genentech.

EDUCATION | I have a B.A. in Broadcasting Journalism from Pepperdine University.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Get experience! Volunteer to head up an event at your work, church, children's school, etc. Let the "powers that be" know you are willing to lead a team of people and pull off an event or meeting. Volunteer to be an administrative assistant for an existing coordinator and learn the logistics of planning, running and maintaining an event or meeting. Once you have experience, you can then add that to your resume and you will become more marketable.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Strong verbal and written communications skills, out-going personality, team player, teachable, detailed-oriented, able to work with timelines, good at time management and juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

how I got started | I was working in advertising sales for The Food Network in New York. Feeling that I was ready for a change, I decided to pursue a career as an event planner. I felt my gifts and personality would be well-suited to this line of work. My mom, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, told me about Genentech and that it was voted in Forbes as one of the best places to work. I moved to Northern California and got my foot in the door at Genentech by going through a temp agency. They hooked me up with Genentech in the exact position I wanted! I started as a "temp" and five weeks later was offered a permanent position.

why this job?| I'm inspired by all the new projects I am able to be a part of and working with new people. I learn something new from each meeting or event. I evaluate how each project goes and then use that information to make it a better or different process for the next time.

why I love this job!| I love both the people side of the job and the administrative aspect. I love making a room feel aesthetically great and giving people (attendees) a fresh, positive experience.

my typical day| I arrive at work between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and immediately check my email to see if any new things have come up and to finalize anything from the day before. When I am preparing for a training program my schedule looks something like this: Make sure catering is arranged for the two-week program, schedule the welcome reception for the attendees and guests, contact a restaurant for the graduation dinner, plan the Saturday activity/trip, coordinate with trainers and guest speakers, book a photographer, contact hotel for rooms and meeting space if needed, prepare meeting materials, etc. I normally clock out for the day by 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

what they are | I juggle a huge amount of details which can be a challenge. Also, my department is developmental so people are constantly coming and going. This isn't a bad thing, but I have to learn to work with and adapt to many different personalities.

all about growth | You can use your skills as an event/meeting planner in so many different venues. I work for a biotech company, but you could do this job at any large corporation. If you do well, you will get recognized and it could open doors in project management, for example.

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