How to Begin a Career in Event Planning

Wedding planning is among the most popular and lucrative event-planning fields.

It is no surprise that event planning is a growing profession in the United States as there is no shortage of weddings, parties and other special events to be planned. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the most common and lucrative event-planning careers are centered on convention planning and wedding planning. While an educational background in event planning is not necessarily a precursor to preparing for a career in the profession, an education in business administration or management may be beneficial for those wishing to embark upon a successful career. Finding employment with an event-planning company may be contingent upon internship and apprenticeship experiences that are usually only available to those who are receiving credit at a college or university.

Instructions

1. Explore educational opportunities in event planning at an undergraduate level. Consider majors in business management or business administration. Complete coursework in sports management classes, advertising, hospitality law or anything related to managing events. Get certification as a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) in order to be taken more seriously by potential employers or clients.

2. Apply for an internship at a local event-planning firm, or find one in another city for the summer.
   Build confidence and gain practical experience in the field, as well potential business references and contacts to network with in the future by interning at an event planning firm.

3. Build a portfolio of experiences by volunteering to help plan events in your town or for friends and family.

4. Decide what kinds of events you would like to plan (social or corporate) and develop a resume that showcases your diverse experiences and knowledge about that field. Gain unconventional experience and knowledge by writing a wedding column or starting a wedding blog if you wish to have a career as a wedding planner. Create relationships with other notable people within the hierarchy of that field such as wedding dress boutique owners, wedding cake bakers or wedding invitation designers.

5. Apply for entry-level positions at event-planning companies. Consider striking out on your own and starting your own event-planning company. Create a new pool of clientele by drawing from people you have networked with in the past or by offering free services to show what kinds of events and parties you are capable of producing.

References

• Degree Directory: Event Planning and Management
• Entrepreneur: How to Start an Event Planning Service

Resources

• Entrepreneur: Event Planning Resources