Are you Considering a Career in Event Management?

Event management has seen a lot of growth in recent years and increasing numbers of people are eager to build a career in the field. This means that there is a great deal of competition for even the most junior positions, making it harder for individuals to get their feet on the first rung of the ladder.

As with any career, but especially one which is highly competitive to get into, there are three key elements essential to success.

• Volunteering
• Internships
• Qualifications

Employers look for the best candidates they can find.  When faced with a large number of applicants they will select the ones with previous experience, relevant qualifications and a demonstrable enthusiasm for the work. Volunteering to help at events will give you essential first hand experience of the variety of key elements essential to making an event a success – from parking and tickets, to publicity and catering, to name but a few.  Volunteering will show that you are serious about wanting to work in event management and also that you are not afraid to get your hands dirty at any level.

To make you stand out from other candidates still further, it is also worth considering taking volunteering to another level by organising and planning an event yourself –for a local charity for example. Demonstrating that you initiated and organised a successful event will again show enthusiasm, as well as initiative and creativity – all of which is what potential employers want to see.

Internships are a good way of getting your foot in the door with prospective employers.  These are often an integral part of an event management course and can lead to a job offer once you’ve qualified. This means that it’s important you do your homework to make sure you find the right event planning qualification for you.  Not only should it include an internship element, but your training provider should also have links with good event planning firms and quality employers.

What is Event Management?

Event management covers a broad range of events and project management functions, as companies are increasingly outsourcing this work to professional specialists to ensure their smooth running and success.  Some large organisations will also have their own in-house teams if they hold regular events.

Some examples of specialist areas of event management include:

• Corporate events
• Festivals
• Music
• Celebrity management
• Fundraising
• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• Sport
• Wedding Planning

• Budget
• Venue
• Date
• Catering
• Attendee numbers
• Speakers/performers
• PR and Marketing
• Supplier management
• Documentation
• Travel and accommodation

Because there are so many elements to consider when organising events that studying for a qualification is essential to a career in event management.

We have more information about different types of event management qualification as well as more details about Terbell's Full Time Event Management Courses and a Part Time Event Management Diploma Training Course.