College of Education and Human Development

Student Focus: McKenna Weipert, Events Management

McKenna Weipert is taking full advantage of George Mason University's opportunities.

The rising senior in the Tourism and Events Management program is taking part in a two-month, study abroad internship in London this summer.

She landed at Heathrow Airport last week and has already started her internship with a conference planning company that plans events in locations such as Singapore, London, and Seattle. The internship not only offers Weipert the opportunity to travel outside of the United States for the first time, but to undertake work directly related to her career goals. 

"My dream is to be the event manager for arena-sized gaming conventions like PAX or eSports that take advantage of the latest technology," says Weipert. "It's an exciting and new field where you create these one-of-a-kind experiences that also create ongoing connections among the participants and sponsors." 

Weipert, who has a background in musical theater, finds the coursework and career prospects especially suited to her. "I feel like I've finally found the best mix of all my backgrounds. I'm able to pitch event ideas and plan things to the smallest of detail, while still creating a story line for each participant that has a very real impact."

"Taking something I enjoy doing and making it part of my career is one of the things I really value about the events management major," she says.

This is Weipert's second bachelor's degree at Mason, having earned a history degree in 2013. Always a history buff, Weipert plans to take advantage of her time in England to also visit historical sites. The internship and study abroad course, coordinated through the university's Center for Global Education, offers practical work experience, a global perspective, and six college credits. 

To follow McKenna Weipert's experience in London, visit her blog at mckennatravelsabroad.blogspot.com.

To learn more about the Tourism and Events Management program ― including the new minor in Event Technical Production ― please visit rht.gmu.edu or contact srht@gmu.edu to speak with an academic advisor.

 

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For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
• Tourism and Events Management program: rht.gmu.edu/tem

About the college:

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE, and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, D.C., is Virginia's largest public research university.

Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.