Continuing onto our second installment in our “Meet the Intern” series, today we will be meeting Gabrielle Hawkins, our Event Coordinator.
Where are you from?
I am from Killeen, Texas. Both my parents grew up there, and then my brother and I followed in their footsteps.
Who is your Alma Mater? What is your degree in?
I went to Texas A&M University, where I was the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2017! WHOOP! My degree is in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, with a tourism emphasis. I also received minors in Sports Management and Communications, and a certificate in event planning.
What is your position at the Valero Alamo Bowl, and what are you responsible for?
I am this year’s Event Coordinator. I am responsible for helping prepare and set up all of our Community Festival of Events. I am also the volunteer coordinator who’s in charge of contacting volunteers for events and organizing their responsibilities.
What part of this experience are you most excited about?
It’s a hands-on position, so I am most excited about the experience it is has to offer over the next five months. I am also looking forward to all the people I’ll get to meet and interact with along the way.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Wherever life wants to take me. Ideally though, I would like to continue my work with events and hospitality, preferably in the sports industry.
What advice do you have to perspective students who may want to pursue career in events and hospitality?
Networking. Networking is key, like it is for everything, but even more helpful in this industry because all it takes is knowing the right person to get you where you want to be. Having experience is also another strong factor. Opportunities aren’t always going to show up when you want them to, so you have to go look for them, and if you have to volunteer, do it, get the experience no matter what. And always, always, always have a positive attitude about everything.
Quick Facts!
Favorite food? Fruit, preferably cut up!
Favorite show to binge watch on Netflix? Gossip Girl
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Favorite athlete? Freddie Freeman
Favorite sports memory? November 10, 2012, #15 Texas A&M beat #1 Alabama, at Bryant-Denny Stadium, 29-24. This win helped us get to the Cotton Bowl that year, where we dominated Oklahoma 41-13, finishing the season ranked #5 in the AP Poll. It also lead to our quarterback being the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. It really made for a strong first year in the SEC.