A degree isn’t always needed to break into the event planning industry. Look for ways to mold the experience on your resume into something that might be useful in this role. For example, if you worked as an administrative assistant and your duties included ordering produce or handling distraught customers, make sure to highlight that.
Online Courses
One of the best ways to get into event planning is to take online courses. These courses are affordable, and you can work on them at your own pace. They can also be accessed on any device with an internet connection.
This Udemy course is an excellent choice for beginners who are sure they want to become event planners and who are in a position to afford the price tag of the class. It covers the basics of event planning, from finding a venue to working with vendors. It also includes a project to help you apply what you’ve learned.
While many in-class event planning courses offer internships, online courses typically don’t. That means that you’ll have to juggle other responsibilities such as your job and family in order to attend lectures and complete assignments. This can be stressful for aspiring planners with full-time jobs and children. In addition, it may not be possible to find an internship if you’re taking an online course that has a set schedule and deadlines.
Networking
The ability to network is key to finding new clients and securing bookings. Joining professional groups or attending trade shows are great ways to meet other event planners and build your network. Make sure to follow up on all your meetings, and use apps like Worksup for tracking and reporting.
Pleasing clients can be challenging, especially when there’s a last-minute change. To avoid this, set clear expectations with stakeholders like vendors, sponsors and talent. For example, establish a penalty for backouts or impose deadlines that prevent them from canceling without a fee.
You may also find it helpful to have a backup plan in case a venue or vendor falls through, so that you can move forward with a different option quickly. Additionally, consider partnering with companies that offer services such as social media walls or Instagram stations to keep attendees engaged and increase your event’s visibility. This also enables you to capture valuable feedback and data that can be used for future events.
Experience
Even if you don’t have a lot of experience in event planning, you can still get into the industry. Volunteering for events or planning a sorority formal, for example, can help you build up a portfolio. This can include photos of the event, data such as how many tickets you sold compared to last year and testimonials from attendees. This kind of proof can make or break a job application or client pitch.
You can also reframe previous work and personal experiences to highlight skills that event planners need. For instance, you can use the marketing assistant qualifications that you earned in your current role or the parties you plan for friends and family to showcase your ability to create a cohesive theme and execute on logistics. This logical mindset is necessary for event planners, as well as the creative mindset to design unique, show-stopping events. In addition to building your portfolio, you should start networking in the industry by joining online and physical groups.
Education
If you’re looking to get into event planning and aren’t quite ready to take on a full-time degree program, there are plenty of online course options. These can teach you the basics of event management and allow you to work on your own schedule, focusing on a few hours each week.
You can also gain practical experience by working as an intern or part-time assistant to a professional event planner. This can help you learn the ropes of the industry and give you a chance to make important contacts. You may also want to consider volunteering for events like music festivals, charity fundraisers or sports events.
Once you’ve gained some hands-on experience, you might want to consider pursuing a certification. You can become a certified special events professional (CSEP) through Meeting Professionals International, and this is often the best path for anyone who wants to own their own event planning business. Other certifications are available, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), which is typically a requirement for those who plan organizational meetings and conferences.