Entry-Level Event Planning Jobs

Mich_Mills in Laurel, Maryland said: I've been in sales management for over 10 years and am looking for a career change to event planning. I'm finding it very difficult to find any firms hiring any positions. Is anyone thinking of starting up their own business and would consider investing with me. Email me at leckywadewomenllp@yahoo.com

I'm looking into wedding/event planning jobs as well. I live in Laurel, Maryland. If you want to discuss any possibilities of starting a small business, let me know. My email is lmack_9@yahoo.com.

-Kati

Hello my name is Oge and I am currently looking for a job in event planning. I am currently a General Manager for Abercrombie and I have experience in event planning(i.e.organizing and recruiting for a career fair for 2 yrs and as a front office manager for the Hilton). I am a college graduate and posse great communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. Any advice on how to get into event planning would be greatly appreciated. I am currently in Houston but moving to Los Angeles in Feb. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

What are great schools to attend in Los Angeles to enter into the world of event planning??

hi m name is jay. It's this company called event group and i have a interview with this company next week. I know they plan stuff but i want to know is it a regular 9-5 job and do i have to travel from cit to city? or its just a local job thng like taco bell or mcdonalds? i'm from opelika alabama and the job is like 5 miles away i wanted know what they do before i give away my life to something. anybody??

Hi, I am graduating this year at Rutgers University. Although my major is Childhood Studies, I am very interested in starting a career in event planning. Does anyone know of any companies in the Philadelphia, PA area that have internships. Please let me know. Thank you.

You might want to check with the local chapter of MPI and ISES. They would be a good place to start. Good luck!

Elisa in Kent, Ohio said: I am looking to switch careers and am interested in event planning. What type of schooling (or degree) do you need to get into the field?

Go to TISOH.com it is a school in Las Vegas that have event and wedding planng classes.

Kchoiniere in West Hollywood, California said: What are great schools to attend in Los Angeles to enter into the world of event planning??[/QUOTE

Check out TISOH.com it a school in Las Vegas that dose has a wedding planning cours that can be done online and in a class room.

Kchoiniere in West Hollywood, California said: What are great schools to attend in Los Angeles to enter into the world of event planning??[/QUOTE

Check out TISOH.com it is a school in Las Vegas that dose has a wedding planning cours that can be done online or in a class room.

It is very difficult to find an entry-level job in event planning; and that is because companies and organizations, especially in this economy, do not have the time, the people, or the resources to teach you anything. They need to hire people who can hit the ground running and really help them succeed, instead of being a burden.

So instead of looking for a job that will teach you, I suggest you switch your mentality toward one of learning everything you can in order to make yourself more employable. Read this page for much more on this topic (and many other topics to help beginner event planners):

www.careers-in-event-planning.com/career-planning.html

Hang in there; it's not easy but it's worth it!

Hi,
I am looking for an opportunity in the event/meeting planning industry. I am so passionate about this industry and would love a foot in the door to show off my talents. My experience spans over multiple disciplines, including sales, marketing, events, promotions and management within B2B and the restaurant/nightclub industry. My experiences give me a maturity and professionalism that is valuable. Furthermore, I have maintained good relations with many contacts over the years and have the ability to bring in new clients. I have had a tough time getting a chance in the NYC market. I welcome an opportunity for an exploratory meeting with an established event team. Please, if you can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

Best....

Hello,
My name is Nicole Berard from Wakefield RI, I am graduating this may at SUNY Albany and am looking to start searching for a career in event planning somewhere in RI. I am a major in Communication with a minor in business. This past semester I fell in love with assisting in event planning at a non profit organization that I interned at. Does anyone have an advice/contacts that could help me get started? Should I be looking for jobs or another internship?

Hi, I am in a similar situation as most of you here and came upon this forum by looking for event internships and entry-level jobs in the event industry. I will be graduating from Johnson & Wales University in May this year with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management (current GPA 3.97). My concentration is in event and meetings management, and I already have some experience in this field through internships and courses. I find it tough, however, to find a job in the event industry. I am flexible about relocating and willing to travel. Also, I am fluent in German and English and have basic knowledge in French and Spanish. I would love to find an entry-level position planning special events, weddings, corporate events...Internships would be great too, as long as there is opportunity for growth and gaining more experience. I am a fast learner and very motivated and passionate about event management. Please email me at smueller131@gmail.com if you have or know of any opportunities. I would really appreciate it!

Thanks!

- Sabine

Hello everyone;

I completely understand where you are coming from; the frustration of wanting to start a new career and yet it seems impossible to break in. Please understand that there is not a company out there who has the time, the resources, or the personnel to take the time to TRAIN a new person who "really wants to become an event planner."

Therefore, your only hope of breaking into the industry is to hit the ground running, and to already know the lingo and what it means. You have to be able, on your first day, to know what it means when your client says "Please approve these BEOs and pass them along to the CSM; and ask for an updated A&D manifest from the DMC, and update the guarantees according to the latest manifest. We also need to change the GS from chevron to theater, and talk to the production company about changing to IMAG and two screens instead of one."

Riiiight. If this sounds like Greek to you, then that means you aren't ready to be hired even as an entry- level event planning assistant. Sorry, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless you have a working understanding of the lingo of this business, then you won't even be considered for an entry level position. The simple fact of the matter is that no one has the time to train you; and so you MUST have a basic understanding of the foundation of the industry, including the lingo. If you don't, then I strongly suggest you take the time to learn it. I have a course that teaches you the basics, and also how to use the lingo in your resumes to get yourself noticed. Check out this page for more info: www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planner-course.html

(continued)

Realize that the fine line between getting looked over and getting hired is your perception of what YOU bring to the client. Instead of seeing the client as some giant Santa Claus who chooses the lucky YOU to train in this new and exciting world of event planning. You need to see what YOU have to offer THEM. This will be the most important factor in starting your new career; when you realize that you need to benefit the company that's hiring you, instead of seeing them as some wonderful, magnanimous trainer who's going to help pave the way for you to start a new career. Everyone says they are "willing" to "start out" as an "event planning assistant"; and yet you don't even know what a BEO is, or what set/guarantee/expected is, or what an A&D manifest is, or what attrition is.

Your best bet to break into the industry is to learn everything you can about planning; and then saturate your resume and cover letter with words that SHOW you understand the business. Then, make connections to get your foot in the door.

This formula is the most sure-fire way of getting your start in the Event Planning industry. And the best place to start is by learning the lingo and how to plan events. Check out www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planner-course.html to read more about what to look for in a course.

Best of luck to you; it is not easy, but once you make your break, it is well worth it!
~Sirena
www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planner-course.html

Thank you so much for your post! I have recently been considering very seriously a change in career. I have over 7 years experience in hospitality and have done some event planning as a Training Coordinator organizing and running a couple of week long conferences. Like many I started out with an interest in the wedding planning aspect of it, however, I am a realist and do understand to have a lucrative career one needs to work for bigger fish. :)

I'd been doing some research online trying to find information about educational programs to prepare for this change. However, there is a lot of confusion on the web as to what in fact is the right way to prepare to become an event planner. I was so THANKFUL to see your post! I loved your straight forward information. This is precisely the kind of information I was seeking.

No...I currently don't understand a dang thing in your statement, but I knew I wasn't prepared even before I started reading. I will however take a course, then try to find a small entry level position for a convention center or hotel in which I can gain the necessary experience to become proficient at it. Thanks again for providing the information!

If you would like to reach me, you can do so at this email: kl.hrdprofessional@gmail.com

Alyssa in Vienna, Virginia said: I'm interested in changing careers. I was in finance/customer service and would love to enter event planning. Any ideas on where to start? Will I need additional education/training to start?

Hello,
As I browse through the posts on this forum, I came across your post and noticed you were in the DMV area. RKristi Modern Hospitality is a boutique hospitality firm based in the DMV area. We specialize in taking the traditions of the industry and rearranging it to fit our modern day lifestyles. We are currently looking to fill a few positions as well as a few internships within our company, so I wanted to reach out to see if you were interested in additional information. These positions are related to the special event and travel industries. If so, please contact us by email, info@byrkristi.com, and we will be more than happy to send the job descriptions your way for your review. Thanks and if you have any questions, feel free to send them to the email address above as well. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care
www.ByRKristi.com

Sese in Fairfax, Virginia said: I’m in the Northern Virginia/ Washington DC area. In the past year and a half, I have decided to change my career and move into the Events Planning industry. I have always had the passion for planning all types of events and expressing my creative ideas and organizational skills. With the experience of planning several weddings, family reunions, etc. I decided to enhance my knowledge of the industry educationally by enrolling and completing the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program with UVA in May of 2008, and plan to continue taking more courses.

It has been harder than I thought to get my foot in the door. Can anyone share some tactics that they may have used to get a job in the filed? I’m all ears

Hello,
As I browse through the posts on this forum, I came across your post and noticed you were in the DMV area. RKristi Modern Hospitality is a boutique hospitality firm based in the DMV area. We specialize in taking the traditions of the industry and rearranging it to fit our modern day lifestyles. We are currently looking to fill a few positions as well as a few internships within our company, so I wanted to reach out to see if you were interested in additional information. These positions are related to the special event and travel industries. If so, please contact us by email, info@byrkristi.com, and we will be more than happy to send the job descriptions your way for your review. Thanks and if you have any questions, feel free to send them to the email address above as well. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care
www.ByRKristi.com

Octavia Fulton in Baltimore, Maryland said: I have recently found thhis circuit in event planning "formally" I will say. However I have done all of these things since I was 16 in some form or fashion. I would like to work as an event coordinator. I just landed a gig for a benefit/fashion show,but really want to to pursue my passion as my career. I am more than aware of the work it takes, as I have spent most of my working years in public service as a retail associate, retail manager,and Hair stylist. And at a young age did promotions for different concerts/music venues. I also had a radio host experence for a campus radio. any ad vice on what to do next. ( mind you I did not place any of this on my resume.)

Hello,
As I browse through the posts on this forum, I came across your post and noticed you were in the DMV area. RKristi Modern Hospitality is a boutique hospitality firm based in the DMV area. We specialize in taking the traditions of the industry and rearranging it to fit our modern day lifestyles. We are currently looking to fill a few positions as well as a few internships within our company, so I wanted to reach out to see if you were interested in additional information. These positions are related to the special event and travel industries and our office is based out of Columbia, MD. If so, please contact us by email, info@byrkristi.com, and we will be more than happy to send the job descriptions your way for your review. Thanks and if you have any questions, feel free to send them to the email address above as well. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care
www.ByRKristi.com

Katie in Omaha, Nebraska said: To be real honest, you need to ask yourself why you are changing careers. If it is because you think event planning 'looks fun' and you get to 'party' or 'plan peoples events ', then I would not suggest it. You came from a very 9-5 desk type of job. If I am wrong, I appoligize. Finance is very different. A typical event planner works 80 or so hours a weeks and usually works every weekend. You are running AV, hauling tables, dealing with billing , and possilby disgrutal patrons. You need to be aware of how much your life will change, and it is not always a job for folks who want to have a huge family and lots of children .
Secondly, I would start sending every event planning firm & convention center you resume and a letter stating that you would like to help, for free of course, with any events. Most firms will give you some type of compensation , but you are needing experience. Check out the non-profit firms, ie: Red cross, habitat for humanity. They are always needing work. Experience, experience, experience will land you your first job. What type of event coordination would you like to do: corporte, non-profit, conventions, arena shows, wedding and special event, etc?
Usually, you will need some type of 4 year degree as a foundation. If you have 3 year plus of experience is coordination, then you will not need a degree. There are classes at community college you can take to get a foundation. Once again I stress experience over a 'formal' education .

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Hi,
I was just reading what you wrote and I found it very informative! I would love to talk to you more on how to get the experience and pick your brain. I graduated college with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and have unsuccessfully looking for an event planning job for the past year and a half. I currently work at a hotel as a front desk agent and I just do not think that it is going to help me.