Name: Karolyn Kiburz, CMP
Job Title/Employer: President, Meetings & Concierges Source, LLC
Year of Graduation: 1986
Degree/Major: Recreation/Tourism
 
What is your favorite part of your current job?
The variety! No two days are ever the same. And the experiences are great. I travel quite a bit and get to see/do things that I would never have the opportunity to see or do had I chosen another profession.
 
What career path did you follow from your ASU degree to your present job?
My first job out of college was as an assistant to the convention coordinator at a large state association. Then I moved within that association to plan my own one-day seminars.

After that, I was employed by the National Speakers Association as the organization’s manager of meetings. They are based in Tempe, but never had a meeting in Arizona, so I was able to get great experience planning large meetings around the country. 

From there, I started my own meeting/event planning company in March 1999.  We plan meetings and events locally, nationally and internationally. They range in size from 100 people to 40,000 people.
 
Describe one skill learned at ASU that you use daily in your job.
Perseverance!

Were any ASU-affiliated persons helpful to you in advancing your career?
I didn’t get involved in the Alumni Association until recently. But I would highly recommend that current ASU graduates join the Alumni Association and use that network of people. 

What advice would you give to current students or job-seekers about finding work in your field?
Initially, it’s difficult to find jobs in the field. You won’t open up the want ads in the paper and find 20 positions available.

The best way to find out about opportunities is to network with people in the industry.  Get involved in industry associations (i.e., the Arizona chapters of Meeting Professionals International or Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, etc.).  Also, most organizations have job banks that post positions. Meet people and use your contacts – it works!