For our latest instalment of The 9 to 5, we interviewed Elissa Fesyk, Project Manager, Press Operations for the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Here’s what she had to say:
1. What do you do for the Pan Am Games?
My title is Project Manager, Press Operations. This means I manage special projects for the team that provides client services to accredited written press, photographers and non-rights-holding broadcasters that are coming to the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games this summer. The big projects I work on include the central management and planning of 800+ Press Operations volunteers, managing the Games time hiring of 50+ short term staff and the development and execution of the TO2015 Young Reporters Program, the first of it’s kind at a Pan Am Games.
2. Have you always worked with sporting and events?
I have spent the majority of my career working in sports. I’ve held a variety titles and done a lot of different things. I didn’t really consider myself an event planner until I took a job with the US Olympic Committee that was specifically in hospitality and event planning.
3. What did you take in school? Did it truly prepare you for your career path?
I went to Ryerson University and studied Radio and Television Arts. The program taught me the art of networking which has really been the catalyst for the success I’ve had in my career. The internships I did during my university years helped a lot as well.
Network, build relationships, ask questions, be kind, and volunteer your way into places if you can’t find a connection to get your foot in the door.
4. What previous roles have you had?
I’ve had a lot of jobs! Some of the “cooler” jobs include Community Relations Coordinator for the San Jose Sharks, Manager of Meeting and Events for the US Olympic Committee and Venue Press Manager for ski jumping and Nordic Combined for Vancouver 2010.
5. How did you get these amazing roles?
I am a relationship person and I love to stay in contact with people. I’ve been able make and maintain a lot of friendships over the years and that has helped me get my foot in the door with companies that are perceived and inaccessible. Also, I’m very lucky!
6. What is the best thing about your job?
There are so many things I like about my job! I love my role within the organizing committee. Bringing people together is something I do well and my job is all about that. From building our volunteer community and Game time team to developing a program that is bringing one young person from each of the Pan Am nations to be part of the Games is really special. Plus, I get to work with people who are passionate and excited about what they do which makes life so much more satisfying. Even on the days when I am tired and burnt out I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing.
7. Any advice for someone who wants to follow the same path?
Network, build relationships, ask questions, be kind, and volunteer your way into places if you can’t find a connection to get your foot in the door. The internship I did in university gave me the opportunity to meet people that are still impacting my career today. It’s hard to predict who the “door opener” will be. If you can make genuine connections with people it becomes much easier to navigate the waters of a career like mine.