Career Roadmap: Becoming an Event Planner
Do you think you have what it takes to become an event planner? If you’re motivated by working in a fast-paced environment and can manage details, you might be on the right track. Eventbrite has outlined the following steps to help you become an event planner.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
Management and communications-focused degree paths are a starting point. Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations are all relevant options.
Step 2: Get experience.
Internships and relevant entry-level work will give you a feel for what this career looks like. Many of the best event planners get their start by working for a catering company, hotel or as an administrative assistant. This is also where networking comes into play. Your contacts and the connections you make can help you get your foot in the door down the road.
Step 3: Expand your skill set outside of communications.
Being an event planner requires strong organizational skills (think: deadline-driven, detail-oriented). This field also requires strong composure, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Nurture these skills and turn them into your strengths while pursuing entry-level experience.
Step 4: Specialize and earn certifications.
Event planners have a variety of different options when it comes to the sector they work in (nonprofits, private events, etc). Getting certified isn’t a requirement but it can help further your career. There are different certifications for wedding planners, government meeting professionals, healthcare meeting professionals and more. This is great for variance and diversification of a core job/skill set.
It’s never too early to get started on your career path.
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Cara Benson is the Community Manager at Eventbrite. She manages online communication with event planners and attendees.
