How to Get an Event Planning Internship

If you are interested in a career in event planning, an internship may be the stepping stone for you to get a full-time job in the field. Whether you would like to learn to plan small, intimate gatherings, weddings or even large-scale corporate conventions, the best way to gain experience and learn the details of the business is to do so by working directly in the field as early in your career as possible.

Instructions

1. Contact local event planning businesses that are involved in the specific type of events in which you would like to be professionally involved. For example, some event planners focus primarily on weddings, while others specialize in concerts, festivals or corporate parties and events. If you are not entirely sure where you interests lie, an internship will most likely be a good way to find out what types of events you would prefer planning.

2. Customize your resume to be used for applying to event planning internships and jobs. Though your resume should provide a broad overview of your educational and work experience, it is important to hone in on the skills and interests that specifically relate to the field of event planning. This may include any prior event planning experience at school or work or specifically related coursework, such as classes in hospitality or communications.

3. Practice your interview techniques to assure the employer that you have the interpersonal skills necessary for the field of event planning. Working in the business of event planning requires excellent communication skills in dealing with clients and other vendors, so it is essential that you display these qualities in your interview in order to get the internship.

4. Ask specific questions about past events that the company has planned and what type of events it has scheduled in the future during your interview for an event planning internship. Even if you think of the question after you left the interview, be sure to follow up by email or phone to get an answer. Being inquisitive about the company's work and the internship itself will show employers that you are interested and enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with them in planning future events.

5. Provide your potential employer with examples of how you have managed a crisis or dealt with a last-minute emergency in the past, especially in the context of an event planning experience. The business of event planning involves working on an extremely tight schedule and dealing sensitively with the needs of your clients in what are often very important days in their lives. During these events, problems often spontaneously arise and it is important to communicate to the potential employer that you are equipped to deal with these situations calmly and confidently.

Tips & Warnings

• If you attend a wedding or professionally planned party that you find particularly well organized and enjoyable, ask the host if you can get the name and contact information for the company that planned it. This is an excellent way to find event planners that you would like to work with based on the type of work they do, their styles and execution skills.