An event manager has the opportunity to work within a number of different industries, creating events ranging from trade fairs to street festivals to corporate galas and more. This type of job requires a person to work long and often awkward hours in a variety of industries and with many different clients. In order to get into event management, you should obtain certification or a college degree, take advantage of internships and volunteer opportunties, and build a large network.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in some type of management-related field will help you to get into event management, though it is not mandatory, especially if you are opening your own business. Some people choose to obtain certification as an event manager professional, which usually takes six to 12 months to attain, though a college degree is more in-depth and advantageous. Many people who want to become an event manager obtain a degree in business management, tourism management, or hotel-restaurant management. Even after earning a bachelor’s degree, you will still have to gain experience working in the field and networking in order to master the skills it takes to effectively manage an event.
As an event manager, you will help plan and conduct memorable events using many different skills. It is very important that you are patient, as many of the clients you plan events for will change their minds several times about different event details. Creativity is necessary because it helps you to innovatively satisfy all of your clients’ event requests. You will also find it helpful to have an eye for detail, as well as to have superb leadership and organizational skills.
It is only through experience that you will actually learn how to manage an event. An excellent way to gain experience is by acquiring an internship while in college. Though they may be paid or unpaid, internships offer you the direct opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge in the industry. The Career Services office at your school should be able to help you find an internship that will not only enable you to increase your knowledge of the industry, but also help you to begin to network with potential clients and vendors.
Many events offer excellent volunteer opportunities, which are usually run by an event management company. Often, just checking online at an event's website will enable you to sign up to volunteer, but you may also want to call local companies to see if there are any upcoming events for which they may need help. You can gain direct experience in a variety of positions in addition to expanding your social career network.
Networking is essential when wanting to get into event management in order to get your name and your quality of work out in the industry. You can build your network through your college years, advertising, volunteering, and informing your local community that you are interested in managing events. Be sure to introduce yourself to as many people as possible while interning or volunteering at an event, while handing out business cards or resumes with your contact information.
