Here's How You Become an Event Planner

Hi everyone!

As the owner of a website that helps beginners break into the industry of event planning, I jump into these forums now and then to see the struggles people are facing. And in every thread, it seems to be the same; "How do I get started? How do I break in? How can I find an entry-level event planning job or internship?" And so I thought I'd offer the bare-bones truth to better help you.

Keep in mind that no company out there has the time or money to train you, even in an entry-level position. As many people on these forums have discovered, you can't even qualify for an unpaid position unless you have experience. And yet, it's the ageless catch-22; how do you get experience until you get experience? In a competitive industry like event planning, this can really be challenging.

Here are three things you need to remember:
1) no company or organization has the time or resources to train you.
2) they don't care that this is your dream; they want to know what YOU can do for THEM. They are not in business to do you any favors and help you learn how to be a planner. All they care about is what you can bring to the table to help their company succeed.
3) it is a very, very difficult economy right now; companies have downsized to skeleton crews. So don't take it personally if you're not making any headway! It's just that they need someone who can hit the ground running and really do the work of three people; not shadow someone and get in the way. I know people in the industry with ten years or more of planning experience, that can't find jobs. So realize it's really tough right now to break in. But it's also a FANTASTIC time to volunteer (since no companies or organizations have any money) and really get some good hands-on experience!

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.....Which leads me to the three things you need to do in order to become an event planner:
1) learn absolutely everything you can about the industry and how to plan events. Everyone wants to be a planner; but what if you landed a job tomorrow? Would you know what to do? Since no companies have the time or money to train you, it's up to you to learn it on your own. Read every book you can about planning events; take courses and online classes; and read websites. Take it upon yourself to learn.

2) Get experience. The only way to do this as a beginner is to volunteer for events. And not just one or two events, but many. Work on-site at the event, and then get in with planning committees to plan events.

3) Network like crazy! You will never get hired off a resume alone, when you have no experience. You have to "find someone who knows someone;" and be personally recommended by someone. The only way to do this is meet everyone you can.

In other words, don't quit your day job :-) Learn everything you can about event planning; the industry, trends, and how to plan events. Get experience. Make connections. And when the economy improves, you'll be ready! It is not an overnight solution but it's the most honest answer you're going to find on how to accomplish your goals and follow your dream. It's not easy or quick, but I promise, it's worth it! :-)