Alumni Spotlight: Raoul Gaynor-Massey
From Business Analyst to Senior Event Consultant at PwC
When Raoul Gaynor-Massey made the bold decision to leave a career in business analysis and pursue event management, he had no idea just how far the leap would take him. Since graduating from College of Event Management in 2015, Raoul has steadily earned a reputation as a strategic and creative force in the world of high-end corporate events.
Now based in Sydney and working as a Senior Event Consultant for PwC, Raoul shares what it took to make a major career pivot, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why he believes it’s never too late to pursue work you truly love.
CoEM Graduate Raoul – 2015
Taking the Leap from Business Analysis to Events
Working as a BA was challenging, but it didn’t engage me creatively. I knew it wasn’t my long-term path — I just didn’t know what was.
Raoul’s journey into events wasn’t as straightforward as it seems. While working in a corporate role, he was given the opportunity to explore different departments through internal secondments. Marketing, corporate affairs, and studio production all made the list — but it was a six-month placement in events that changed everything.
I knew almost immediately it was right for me. I credit that to having a strong sense of self. I’ve always had a good understanding of who I am and what energises me, so when I landed in events, it just felt right.
Navigating Career Change
Switching careers in your late 20s — especially as a homeowner — isn’t without its challenges.
The biggest challenge was financial. Changing industries is a huge shift, and I had to be really intentional about budgeting and planning. But it was absolutely worth it.
Raoul credits CoEM with helping him navigate the transition. From course content that built on his transferable skills, to teachers who became professional references, the support he received made a real difference.
CoEM was awesome in supporting the transition. There are so many transferable skills — time management, stakeholder engagement, budgeting — and CoEM helped me connect the dots between what I already knew and what the industry needed.
Starting Strong After Graduation
After completing his Diploma of Event Management, Raoul landed a role at an agency and stayed there for 2 — 3 years to gain foundational experience.
I felt agile and prepared. Having the qualification gave me confidence — that ‘piece of paper’ meant something. But the real test was proving myself on the ground.
His biggest learning?
There will always be situations, people, or processes that aren’t ideal. You learn to pick your battles and just get on with it.
A Senior Role at PwC
Today, Raoul is thriving as a National Event Manager at PwC, leading high-profile strategic events across Australia.
Anything that’s considered a top strategic priority — especially with a client-facing lens — lands on my desk. Most of my work is in Sydney, but I also deliver events in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Despite the fast pace, he appreciates the clarity that comes with working in a corporate setting.
Blending Strategy with Creativity
Raoul’s background in business analysis gives him a unique edge when it comes to planning and executing events.
I can do the florals, the lighting, the tablescapes — but I also help clients understand the why behind their decisions. If I can show that spending a little more or less in a certain area will help them hit their goals, they’re far more likely to get on board.
Final Words of Advice
For anyone considering a similar leap — from one industry to another — Raoul’s message is clear:
DO. IT. NOW. Life is way too short not to. Even though it’s my job, it never feels like work — because I love it that much.
Many thanks to Raoul for assisting us with his inspiring ‘Alumni Spotlight’ blog post. You can find Raoul on Linkedin
Graduates from College of Event Management are job-ready! If you’re wanting to find out more about a career in event management there’s plenty of information:
- On our website about our specialised event courses
- Any of our course advisors will be more than happy to chat to you on 02 9280 4912 or you can contact us HERE >>
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