<p><span class="p-body">Jonathan Hernandez Jimenez, a student in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-event-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Event Management</a> program at NYU SPS, has always had a strong connection to his home, New York City. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jonathan's passion for learning is evident in everything he does—whether playing music around the city, honing new skills, or picking up new languages. It's this curiosity and eagerness to grow that led him to pursue not only his bachelor's but also his master's degree at NYU.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">A part of Jonathan knew that going to NYU was in the cards. &quot;I had many mentors growing up who had gone to NYU or had some sort of experience around NYU and knew that the direction of my life would end up here,&quot; he reflects. His dual experience at NYU—first as an undergraduate and then as a graduate student—has been pivotal in shaping who he is today. The rigorous academic environment, coupled with New York City's dynamic backdrop, provided him with unique perspectives and invaluable learning experiences.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">During his time as a graduate student in the MS in Event Management program, Jonathan found his passion for the event industry solidified. The professors, many of whom are industry veterans, became significant sources of inspiration and guidance. &quot;Hearing first-hand stories inspired me to one day be as great as them,&quot; he shares. His peers also played a vital role in his journey. Jonathan fondly recalls his classmates embarking on exciting ventures, such as planning weddings abroad, working for large corporations, or launching their own event companies. Their ambition and drive further motivated him to continue pursuing excellence.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">A standout experience for Jonathan was the practicum course, which allowed him to engage directly with the event industry. During the practicum, he worked with a high-end boutique planning company, where he was responsible for creating potential customer profiles and receiving consistent feedback tailored to different events. This hands-on learning experience was invaluable, providing him with practical knowledge and skills that have been instrumental in his current role at Worldwide Business Research.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Jonathan is now part of the production team, where he helps plan conferences for sectors such as retail, finance, field service, and digital. He credits the MS in Event Management program with equipping him to handle these complex tasks</span>.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Jonathan also highlights the importance of specific classes he has taken. Two of the most impactful were the <i>Managing Risk and Contracts</i> course with Professor Toliver and the <i>Event Production &amp; Design</i> course with Professor Olenick. Both courses provided him with the critical skills needed in the field. &quot;The <i>Managing Risk and Contracts</i> course helps with planning for worst-case scenarios and understanding how to negotiate clauses and concessions on your contracts, which is necessary in the event management industry,&quot; he explains. The <i>Event Production &amp; Design</i> course allowed him to delve deeper into his interest in event production, honing his skills and preparing him for future endeavors.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Jonathan envisions a career where he can return to planning concerts on a larger scale. While his current work involves conference planning, his passion for music and events has always been a driving force in his life.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">His advice for incoming NYU SPS students reflects his belief in seizing every opportunity, &quot;Don't be afraid to speak and ask questions. It's better to get it wrong in class and get it right in the real world.&quot; He also encourages students to build connections, both within the classroom and beyond. &quot;Everyone is starting out in a new environment that they may not be used to, and just starting a conversation can help someone feel more comfortable in the new setting.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Jonathan's experience at NYU has not only prepared him academically but has also enriched his perspective on global connectivity. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds—from Kazakhstan to Indonesia and beyond—has made him more globally conscious and competitive. The last piece of advice, he shares, &quot;is to be a good classmate, student, and peer. Impressions matter, but one thing is for certain: the world is small, and you never know who you may be working with in the future. So, being kind, helpful, and courteous will definitely help you in the long run.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Join students from all over the world on a path to shaping the future of events when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-event-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Event Management at NYU SPS</a>.</span></p>