I want to pursue a career as an event planner… Where should I start?
Here are the steps you should take from studies to internships, opportunities and career choices. Remember, trust your own pace! This is your journey. I’m just here to help you out along the way.
Studies:
Event planning and management is one of many jobs in which you will learn so much more by DOING than by STUDYING. However, your studies will offer you a solid foundation and useful tools that you will need throughout your career.
You can start with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or Communications and then specialize in the field of your choosing! This will give you a good understanding of customer service, management, communications, marketing, press and public relations.
I personally have a bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management and a master’s degree in Communications with a minor in Public Relations which helped me understand everything involved in event management.
Internships:
Like I said, you learn this job by DOING. Internships are great for putting your studies to work and learning about your field in the real world. Although progress is being made, most internships pay little to no salary. Not everyone can afford to do an unpaid internship but if you can, go for it. You can learn so much and get great opportunities and contacts thereafter.
I would recommend joining an agency for internships. This is where you can see a wide range of events, work with different clients and grow your experience rapidly.
Between my bachelor's degree and my master’s degree, I did 6 internships, and I had the opportunity to work on events for brands like Cartier, work on a store opening on 5th Avenue in New York and even participate in planning an after-party for Miu Miu!
Opportunities:
Once you have enough experience with studies and internships combined, apply for roles as an event assistant. Apply to event agencies, hotels or even head offices… don’t be shy!
You start small at first, assisting in projects until you’re experienced enough to be a coordinator, then a specialist in your field and eventually manage your events and your own team! You can specialize in a particular type of event if you’d like. We talk about the different types of events and event planners in our two previous articles.
This is when I had the opportunity to work for companies and became part of the in-house event team at L'Oréal, in a law firm and in a media company called BIV News (Glacier Media Group)!
As I said, trust the process. Before you know it, you’ll be planning your dream events and leading a team of bright creatives!
