Event Planner

• The term “event planning” covers a lot of ground! From weddings to corporate events and award ceremonies, event planning entails a wide range of skills and tasks to be learned
  • It can also often synonymous with planning meetings and conventions as well as organizing exhibitions
• Event Planners often get a bachelor’s in meeting or event management, though students enter this field from a wide range of majors including business, hospitality management, or even communications
• The more closely your degree is related to event planning, the more likely you can start off with increased responsibilities (and thus, generally higher pay!)
• To boost your academic credentials, consider earning a certification from a professional organization such as:
  • American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
  • Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
  • Events Industry Council
  • International Association of Exhibitions and Events
  • Society of Government Meeting Professionals
• O*Net lists additional certifications which have varying work experience eligibility requirements
• Because there are so many different duties that can fall under the term “event planning,” many employers want to see specific experience in addition to academic credentials
• Having related work experience goes a long way in bolstering one’s resume, so many students take part-time jobs working in hotels, convention center, wedding venues, or other common meeting establishments to gain practical experience and learn on the job

This could look good on your resume; however, EXPERIENCE trumps education/certification. This is just a plus but definitely not something that will automatically get you a job or clients.

It is a voluntary certification for meeting and convention planners.  To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of meeting management experience, recent employment in a meeting management job, and proof of continuing education credits. Those who qualify must then pass an exam that covers topics such as adult learning, financial management, facilities and services, logistics, and meeting programs.

• In high school, hone your interpersonal skills and take classes in communications, speech, marketing, business, and accounting
• Get hands-on experience through volunteering! Volunteer with schools, churches, or community organizations to help plan events, coordinate functions, budget for purchases, order supplies, host guests, and manage logistical details. Make a draft resume and keep track of everything you do and how many people attended
• Join the events committee for a club or social organization (i.e. Greek system) and plan an event at your high school or college (a dance, a fundraiser…etc). Getting experience even if it is volunteer experience is crucial for your resume.
• Consider working part-time at local hotels, convention centers, universities, or corporations in roles related to large meetings and events organization. Get any job you can get that allows you to SEE and OBSERVE events: coat check, waiter/bartender for catering company, floral arrangement, restroom attendant at an event…etc.
• Intern for an event planning company.
• Create your own “lookbook” or Pinterest page: Gathering different looks, styles, decorations, food, styles so you can start developing ideas and your own style of what you want an event to look like.
• Decide if you want to specialize in a particular area (like weddings)
• Practice your phone etiquette and customer service 
• Decide which learning method works better for you — in-person, online, or hybrid
• Work with your academic advisor on appropriate electives
• Review the various certification options available. Some require a few years of work experience but learn those requirements so you can plan ahead
• Event Planners love to get together through professional organizations, so find one (or more) to get involved with!
• Invest in a good camera so you can take plenty of photos of your work
• Create an online portfolio and social media channels to brand and market your skills and services (and show off your past work to future employers) 
• Check out the Dos and Don'ts of What Industry Pros Should Wear at Events. Keep in mind wardrobe considerations should be in line with the event type
• Keep up with industry trends by reading relevant articles (like those on Skift Meetings) and watching YouTube videos!

• 10.7% with HS Diploma
• 8.2% with Associate’s
• 49.7% with Bachelor’s
• 9.7% with Master’s
• 1.1% with Professional

(% of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is)