Internship Spotlight: Eve Foster – Event Management

Name: Eve Foster
Hometown: Walton, NY
Major: Event Management (BBA) ’28

Where are you interning, and what does your job involve?
I’m an Event Coordination Assistant at The Providence Cotton Mill, a historic wedding venue in Maiden, North Carolina. On event days, I help coordinate weddings, photo shoots, and venue operations to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. On office days, I work on marketing projects like creating social media content, reviewing past materials, and completing other administrative tasks. I also shadow meetings with brides, assist with venue operations, decorate and prepare spaces for events, and help wherever I’m needed. One of my favorite projects has been designing the event concept and inspiration for a fundraising gala taking place in September.

What have you learned about the industry and yourself through this internship?
This internship has confirmed that I want to pursue a management role in hospitality. Working with both the venue and its rental company has shown me how rewarding this career can be, and I can see myself doing it long-term.

I’ve also learned that the event industry is fast-paced and constantly changing. No event goes exactly as planned, so being adaptable, communicating well, and solving problems quickly are essential. Hospitality creates opportunities in weddings, travel, and special events while bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.

Personally, I’ve grown a lot throughout this internship. I’ve built professional connections, gained confidence, and developed skills that can’t be learned in a classroom alone. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to anticipate guests’ needs by paying attention to their emotions and reactions, helping create a smooth and memorable experience. I’ve also strengthened my skills using Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud and gained experience working with the venue’s sister company, Elegant and Classy, which provides furniture, florals, linens, dinnerware, and other event rentals. Knowing there’s potential for future employment has made me feel even more confident that I’m on the right career path.

How did SUNY Delhi prepare you for this experience?
My classes gave me a strong foundation, but my professors made the biggest difference in preparing me for my internship. They shared advice from their own industry experience, taught us valuable HR and relationship-building skills, and reassured us that internships are meant to be learning experiences. Chef Bri Smith and Professor Linda Blocker, who teach the Professional Work Experience course, constantly reminded us that it’s okay not to know everything right away. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to step into this opportunity and make the most of it.

What else do you like about SUNY Delhi’s event management program?
I come from a small town and wanted to stay close to home, so SUNY Delhi was the perfect fit. When I received the Presidential Scholarship and saw that Delhi offered exactly the program I wanted, it was hard to say no to Delhi.

The program is very hands-on and prepares students for the real world. This past spring, I spent 15 weeks working in Signatures Restaurant as part of a class. I learned knife skills, prepared food for guests, and gained a much greater appreciation for culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Combining that experience with professional service gave me valuable insight into both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, which will help me throughout my career.

What are your career goals, and what advice would you give other students?
I’m still exploring exactly where I want my career to take me, and this internship has helped me figure out that I enjoy the wedding and hospitality industry. Whether I end up in wedding sales, hotel sales, or tourism, I know I want to continue working in hospitality. I also plan to earn a second degree in accounting so I can combine business and financial skills with my hospitality career.

My advice to other students is to take every opportunity to learn. Internships let you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, build professional connections, gain confidence, and discover what kind of work you truly enjoy. Those experiences can make all the difference when you’re starting your career.

Learn more about event management programs at SUNY Delhi

From weddings and festivals to corporate conferences and large-scale events, the event industry is built around creativity, organization, and unforgettable experiences. SUNY Delhi’s event management programs provide hands-on experience planning and managing events while learning the leadership, hospitality, communication, and business skills needed to succeed in this fast-growing industry.

As the only SUNY institution to offer a bachelor’s degree in event management, Delhi is the ideal destination for students ready to turn creativity and organization into a career.

Event Management (AAS)
Event Management (BBA)
Event Management (online BBA) (associate degree or equivalent required)