To jump start a career as an event planner, it is important to choose the best event management courses. Taking the right courses can arm an aspiring planner with all he or she will need to know to hit the ground running in the professional world. Some important courses to consider may include comprehensive skill classes, business management training, and sales and marketing techniques. In addition, it is also important to consider budget, time requirements, and desired level of certification when choosing event management courses.
Skill classes teach aspiring professionals how to handle different types of events, from intimate business gatherings to international sporting events. Students new to the subject may want to start with a general course that covers the basics of all major event types, in order to become comfortable with the terminology and requirements of each area. As skills progress, it may be a good idea to take more in-depth event management courses in specific areas, such as wedding planning or event fundraising. By taking a variety of skill-based classes, an event manager can be ready to handle any type of event, which may lead to better job opportunities.
Event managers may work for an event company, but many hope to open their own business. In order to become an entrepreneurial event manager, it is important to take some courses that cover the business aspects of event management. In these courses, a student can learn accounting techniques, tax requirements, and general business management information that can help him or her prepare for a freelance job or self-owned business.
No matter how talented the manager, sales and marketing tactics may be necessary to attract new business. Taking event management courses that focus on marketing and advertising can help a manager turn every day into an opportunity to attract new business. Marketing classes not only teach students how to advertise their services, but may also impart skills such as budgeting for advertising, and how to run promotional events.
When choosing event management courses, consider the cost of the course and the time commitment required. Doing some comparison shopping between different training programs can help determine a basic range for course costs. Some people choose to take courses one at a time or as needed, in order to avoid an initially expensive outlay. Understanding the time commitment is also important to a successful decision; if the course is too much to handle, students may end up dropping out, forfeiting their class fees.
Finally, it is important to determine what level of certification best suits career goals. Some people take classes only as needed, preferring to rely on skills and reputation rather than worry about degrees. For those who aspire to a degree, many universities and distance learning programs offer bachelor's degrees in event management. Those who want some recognition of their training but do not wish to pursue a four-year degree may prefer to join a trade school that offers event management certification as a one- or two-year program.
