Events management internships consist of paid and unpaid positions that provide interns with work experience in the events management field. These internships usually are used as career development opportunities or to gain work experience. Students might participate in summer internships to gain experience in the field while completing their degrees, or events management internships might be used as a part of their degree program. In addition to gaining experience through events management internships, an individual might choose to do volunteer work for an organization to gain valuable experience in the industry.
Some events management internships are paid positions, but most are unpaid. Any pay that an intern might receive is usually very low, and interns usually are required to pay for their own housing, food and other expenses. Despite the lack of income, many events management internships are valuable experiences during which students have the opportunity to learn valuable skills in the industry. Learning how to interact with vendors and clients, secure sponsors, market an event and obtain permits and licenses are all important aspects of events management that might be learned during an internship.
Many students take advantage of events management internships. Companies that regularly offer internship programs usually have preset dates during which interns work — usually during the spring, summer and fall semesters. Sometimes these internships are in addition to a full course load, and other times, the internship serves as the student’s instruction for a semester.
Events management internships are not just for students. Many individuals who already work in the events industry might choose to participate in an events management internship program to learn the skills needed to move forward in their chosen career path. Some companies have restrictions on who can intern, so an individual should check company internship guidelines before applying. Even if a company does not have a formal internship program, an individual might still approach a company and ask to be an intern.
For people who might not qualify or are too young for an events management internship, volunteer work is an option. Volunteer work might not be as structured as an internship position, but it still puts the individual directly in the industry, where he or she might be able to learn important events management skills and industry practices, thereby gaining valuable experience. In addition to the experience gained, a volunteer might also make contacts with people whom he or she might work with in later years.
