Ellen Hungerford

“All of my clubs and activities have forced me to break out of my shell, which is huge in any career I might have."

-Ellen Hungerford

Ellen Hungerford aspires to either plan executive special events for a professional football or baseball team, or work as a corporate incentive travel agent. When she isn’t studying, Ellen enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, and watching Netflix.

Ellen Hungerford practices event management on campus and overseas

Ellen Hungerford wasn’t sure what she wanted to major in before talking with a friend who had recently changed their major to event management. That conversation sparked an interest that would lead Ellen to her future career.

Since she enjoys working with people, Ellen thought that event management would be “a good combination of creativity, people, and logistics.”

Ellen found after declaring her major in event management that multiple career paths piqued her interest.

“I either want to plan executive special events for a professional football or baseball team, or I want to work as a corporate incentive travel agent,” she said.

Ellen is a premium services and special events intern with the Iowa State Athletics Department. She collects hands-on event management experience by assisting with the orchestration of football, basketball, and wrestling matches.

Besides being an avid sports lover, Ellen is passionate about traveling. She joined the College of Human Sciences STudy Abroad Resource Team — also known as START — to inform other students about study abroad opportunities through events like the Study Abroad Fair. 

While studying abroad in the Bahamas last year, Ellen kept focus on event management. During the trip, she toured area hotels, talked with event coordinators, and spoke with the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. The trip further influenced her career aspirations.

She not only credits her internship and studying abroad in the Bahamas, but also the clubs and classes she’s involved in for preparing her for her dream career.

“All of my clubs and activities have forced me to break out of my shell, which is huge in any career I might have. Being able to talk to anyone confidently is a huge asset to have,” she said.

Ellen has found many possible career paths herself through event management; she believes that the industry has a fulfilling career for anyone interested in it.

“My advice for someone who is interested in pursuing event management would be to talk to other people in the same major. There are so many different paths you can take, and so many opportunities that you may not be aware of,” Ellen said.