How to start my party planning career?

I'm a junior in high school and I want to be a party planner when I grow up. I want to eventually create my own business and plan parties and events in Hollywood and around the world.
I was wondering how I could start this. What majors would I have to major in in college for this? And how I could find a party planner to intern or talk with since I'm so young.
I just really want to do this and any advice and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

LazerDazer in Sonoma, California said: I'm a junior in high school and I want to be a party planner when I grow up. I want to eventually create my own business and plan parties and events in Hollywood and around the world.
I was wondering how I could start this. What majors would I have to major in in college for this? And how I could find a party planner to intern or talk with since I'm so young.
I just really want to do this and any advice and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

Hi I am a sophomore at chico state and I am going down the same path you want to. I am majoring in Recreation administration with the pattern special events and I am minoring in enterpunership bussnuiss managment.

My daughter is a party planner, and believe it or not, she got there without any schooling! I don't know if there are any programs or majors out there for planners, but even before she went and interned with a professional (which really set her up well for her career), she just practiced at home! Needless to say, we had some really fun and ornate parties over the years! I think the one I have the fondest memories of was a 70s disco shindig, complete with [url=www.partytimebr.net/party/costume2011_accesssubinv.asp?varid=4001]hippie accessories[/url] and costumes...So just start trying your hand at it! Throw your own elaborate parties, help your friends plan--it's great practice!

Actually, you do not need a formal qualification and interestingly there aren't that many colleges offering specific courses leading to a qualification of any kind. What's most important in this industry is enthusiasm, dedication, an outgoing personality, a willingness to work hard and long hours and very importantly, creativity. This is an industry that can provide a great deal of excitement and opportunity to the right person. If you really like a challenge and don't easily give up on things, this could be for you. If you love organizational tasks and understand logistics then you could go a long way. We will shortly be rolling out what we consider to be by far the most comprehensive online schooling and coaching content available. Keep an eye out for it and it may help you.

Nigel

LazerDazer, your question was on the right path. While the right personality and specific traits (like organizational skills) are important, it's also important that you get the right training.

Since very few schools and universities have an actual event planning program, I usually suggest that people pursue a degree in International Business (or something equivalent) with a minor in marketing. If your university offers any event planning classes, then by all means, take them! But most schools don't offer that as an option; and so pursuing a degree in Business is a close "second". Plus it allows you to pursue many other paths, in case your Event Planning Career doesn't work out.

The most important thing for you to do is to gain some experience by volunteering. Whether it's for a sorority on campus (they have many events throughout the year), events for your campus, or local events in your community (like Race for the Cure, etc), you will learn the most by getting hands-on experience. This will not only look good on your resume, but will give you real-world experience to see if you truly enjoy the world of planning events. The reality often does not match the perception.

Good luck!
~Sirena
www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planner-course.htrml