From Finance to Conferences: How Erin Schenck Pivoted Her Career at RX
In the ever-evolving world of events and exhibitions, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new challenges are key attributes for success. Erin Schenck, Conference Director at RX, embodies these qualities, having successfully transitioned from a finance role to driving conference growth. Her journey showcases the diverse career opportunities available at RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and highlights how transferable skills can open doors to exciting new paths in the industry.
A Winding Road to RX
Schenck’s career path was far from linear. After graduating with a finance degree, she worked in various industries, including coupon companies, catalog businesses and Real Estate Investment Trusts. Following a period at home raising her children, Schenck found her way to RX through a serendipitous job posting on social media.
The role at RX appealed to Schenck because it offered a chance to apply her financial expertise in a more dynamic and engaging environment. The prospect of working in conferences and exhibitions, and contributing to the creation of magical, impactful and memorable experiences inspired and excited her.
Seizing Opportunities for Growth
After four years as a finance manager at RX, Schenck found herself at a crossroads. While she enjoyed her role, she was looking for her next challenge, so Schenck took a proactive approach to shaping her future at the company.
Schenck’s role in finance gave her insight into all areas of the business, but it was conferences that piqued her interest most. Recognizing the company’s plans to drive growth and engagement by expanding and centralizing its conference program, she saw an opportunity to align her career aspirations with RX’s strategic goals.
This proactive approach, combined with RX’s supportive culture, led to Schenck’s appointment as Conference Director in January 2023, marking a significant step in her career.
Transferable Skills: The Bridge to a New Career
Schenck’s transition from finance manager to conference director might seem like a dramatic shift, but she found that many of her skills were directly applicable to her new role. She emphasizes that organization and analytics were the most transferable skills from her finance days to her current position.
Her ability to dive into data, understand systems, and derive actionable insights has proven invaluable in shaping conference strategies. This analytical approach is crucial in the events industry, where understanding attendee behavior and preferences can significantly impact a conference’s success.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
RX’s commitment to employee development has played a significant role in Schenck’s successful transition. The company offers a range of learning and development opportunities, from formal training programs to on-the-job learning experiences.
Schenck has benefited from internal training in working in a matrix organization and managing people. As a new manager, she’s received support from HR on conducting reviews and fostering team development.
Beyond formal training, Schenck emphasizes the collaborative nature of RX’s culture, where knowledge sharing is encouraged and supported. The transparent environment allows employees to learn from each other and grow in their roles.
The RX Difference: A Culture of Trust and Collaboration
When asked about what makes RX stand out as an employer, Schenck’s response echoes a sentiment shared by many of her colleagues: it’s the people. She believes that the exceptional quality of RX’s workforce is a reflection of the company’s culture rather than just coincidence.
This positive culture is fostered by leadership that encourages innovation and risk-taking and is embedded in RX through six ‘NIMBLE’ values, which encourage its people to always be: Networked, Inclusive, Magical, Brave, have a Love of Learning and Entrepreneurial. Employees feel empowered to question things, propose new ideas, and take calculated risks. Open communication extends from entry-level positions all the way up to the executive level.
The company’s flexible approach to work arrangements also contributes to employee satisfaction. RX offers a range of options, from fully remote work to office-based roles, demonstrating trust in their employees to manage their responsibilities effectively.
Advice for Aspiring RX Employees
For those considering a career at RX but lacking specific event industry experience, Schenck offers encouraging words. She believes that event experience isn’t necessary, but curiosity is, with RX willing to teach new hires what they need to know.
Instead, Schenck advises potential applicants to focus on their core skills and personal attributes. Whether you’re organized, analytical, a risk-taker, people-oriented, tech-savvy, or detail-oriented, there’s likely a role at RX that can leverage your strengths.
Schenck emphasizes that the diverse nature of the events and exhibitions industry means there’s a place for a wide range of skills and personalities. The multifaceted nature of events allows for various roles and responsibilities, making it an inclusive industry for professionals from different backgrounds.
The Road Ahead
As Schenck continues to grow in her role as Conference Director, she’s learning to embrace the unique challenges of the events industry, and the need to regularly take calculated risks to create more value for customers from one event to the next. She’s developing faith in the process, enhanced by her extensive analytical experience enabling her to constantly evaluate changes and improvements.
Erin Schenck’s journey at RX exemplifies the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering career growth, including supporting employees in completely new directions. Her story serves as an inspiration for professionals considering a career in the events and exhibitions industry, demonstrating that with the right skills, attitude, and a supportive workplace culture, exciting new opportunities are always within reach.
To find out more about RX’s exceptional people and current opportunities visit www.rxglobal.com.
