I WANT HER JOB: Massah David (Event Planner)
WHO: Massah David
JOB: Vice President of Events and Marketing at MVD Inc.
SALARY: $50,000 – $100,000+
HOW SHE GOT HER JOB: In 2001, Massah scored the ultimate entry level gig — she was offered an assistant position at Family Tree/Miss Boss Lady Ent. (an entertainment firm that managed the careers of superstars OutKast, Jagged Edge, and Donnell Jones). In 2003, she embarked on the next phase of her career by accepting an A&R liaison position, at TVT records. Within a year, Massah transitioned from A&R to marketing, where she found her true passion assisting with campaigns for TVT multi-platinum artists Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull. With devotion and drive, Massah was ➫ quickly promoted to Urban Marketing Manager after only two years. Having outgrown her position, Massah decided to follow her dream of showcasing her talents outside of the music world; and accepted her ideal position as Vice President of Events and Marketing at MVD Inc. (a full service boutique media firm). Now a-list celebrities, fashion houses, and publishing firms all turn to her when they want to produce the next unforgettable night.
“I enjoy walking up everyday and having the freedom to create unique experiences for my clients.” - Massah David
TEEN DIARIES: Give our readers a brief description of your job.
Massah David: My job can best be described in one word, FUN! I am an event planner that produces events for special occasions such as album release parties, award show weekends, product launches, celebrity birthdays etc.
TEEN DIARIES: What steps did you take to get to where you are today (i.e. education, internships, networking, etc.)?
Massah David: I decided to forgo my college career after two years and move to NYC to get hands on experience in the music business. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what I wanted to do but had a general idea of the field I wanted to be in, so I interned. I interned at management companies since they really handle every aspect of an artist’s career. Then I transitioned to work for a record label in the A&R and marketing departments. It was then, I had the opportunity to plan events in my spare time and decided I loved it and wanted to do it full time. Interning and networking really got me to where I am now.
TEEN DIARIES: As a teen, did you know that you wanted to work in this field?
Massah David: YES. As a teen, I knew I wanted to work in the entertainment field, but event planning was not on my radar at the time.
TEEN DIARIES: If you couldn’t be in this industry, what other career would you choose?
Massah David: If I couldn’t be in the entertainment industry at all, I would probably be in forensics — oddly enough. I find it extremely fascinating. Now would I have the stomach for it is a entirely different story. LOL.
TEEN DIARIES: Did you make any mistakes, while pursuing this career that you want to warn others about?
Massah David: I’m sure I made some, we all do; but nothing that comes to mind unfortunately.
TEEN DIARIES: What sacrifices do you have to make for your job?
Massah David: I have to sacrifice time. When people think of event planning, you figure “How hard can it really be?” But a lot of people do not understand the time that goes into every single detail from the event concept, to invitations, to guest experience and so on. You not only have a client to please, but sponsors, budget limitations, and an overall message to get across.
TEEN DIARIES: One piece of advice you would give to a teen who wants to pursue your career.
Massah David: Do your research and intern as much as you can. The best experience is hands on experience. There are certain things you can only learn by getting your hands dirty.
Tags: Career, Celebrities, Event Planner, I Want Her Job, Massah David, MVD Inc., PR, Publicist
