How to become an event planner
If you enjoy the buzz of planning events and are a creative, people person, read our guide to learn how to become an event planner.
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CONTENTS
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Routes to becoming an event planner
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Skills you鈥檒l need
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Finding work experience
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How to get a job as an event planner
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What it's like to be an event planner
Event planners are sought after in several different sectors but it鈥檚 a competitive environment and having a degree will help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. Undergraduate, apprenticeship and postgraduate degrees all offer different ways into the industry, which one might suit you?
Undergraduate degrees
A degree in hospitality or events management will give you a great grounding in all the different skills you need to become a successful event planner. An events management degree takes between three or four years depending on whether you choose to do a professional placement or foundation year. As well as academic knowledge, this type of degree can help you make new contacts and gain practical experience.
You can learn more about what to expect from an event management degree in our hospitality and catering subject guide, including what topics you鈥檒l cover and how you鈥檒l be assessed.
Degree apprenticeships
If you prefer to learn on the job, you could explore an events management apprenticeship. You鈥檒l still study, but you鈥檒l do so part-time alongside work. Entry requirements are set by both the employer and the provider of the course. Your employer pays for the course, not you. A Level 4 apprenticeship is comparable to the first year of an undergraduate course and a Level 6 apprenticeship is equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree.
You can search for apprenticeship vacancies via .
Postgraduate degrees
A postgraduate events management degree could be a good option if you want a career change or you鈥檙e looking to specialise in a particular area such as global events management. You鈥檒l usually need an unrelated undergraduate degree, but university requirements vary so it鈥檚 worth doing some research into different courses. This type of degree usually takes a year to complete full time or two years part time.
Aside from being highly organised you鈥檒l also need:
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attention to detail
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strong interpersonal skills
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excellent communication
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project management
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problem solving
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marketing/sales skills
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IT skills
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ability to manage budgets
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energy and enthusiasm
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self-motivation
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ability to work under pressure
You may get some work experience through a degree route and the more experience you have the better in this competitive industry.
Try looking for work by:
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volunteering with an organisation and supporting their event programme or organising your own event
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looking for internships with large hospitality firms or marketing agencies
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securing a casual job in a hotel or conference centre
Employers looking for event planners include those in the public, private and not for profit sector so choose which best suits you. Typical employers include public relations companies, charities, public attractions, festival organisers and universities as well as hotels and conference and exhibition centres.
Professional bodies like the Society of Event Organisers (SEO) are worth tapping into to grow your networks and find development opportunities.
Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:
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discussing what type of event the client wants
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coming up with original ideas for events
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agreeing budgets and timelines with the client
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researching venues, contacts and suppliers
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negotiating prices
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booking venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
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hiring and supervising contractors like caterers and security
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overseeing event promotion
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arranging sponsorship deals
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following health, safety and insurance regulations
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making sure everything runs smoothly at the event
Your working environment could be quite varied, and the role often involves travel. This could be to an office, event, venue, or a client鈥檚 home. You might also spend nights away. Event planners often work as part of a larger team or alongside other contractors.
Event planning graduates tend to start on approx. £20,000 - £23,000 depending on location and size of company. With experience you could become a senior events planner and be responsible for bigger budgets. An event planner in a senior or managerial role could earn £40,000 or more.
Is a role as an event planner right for you?
If you鈥檙e full of energy and enjoy a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, then event planning could be for you.
- READ MORE
- What do graduates do and earn?
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