A career in event management is appealing to many and we get a
little inundated with CV’s here at Cloud 9 towers, but unfortunately many of
those applying think its all champagne filled parties awash with celebrities.The reality is somewhat different we promise!
More often that not, its
very administratively orientated so you have to have a range of skills to
really make it in this industry.
Working in event management
requires you to be prepared for long hours, challenging scenarios and to able
to remain calm in even the most difficult of situations. You have to maintain a
professional and friendly manner and be able to deal with suppliers, venues,
clients, delegates and guests with the same demeanour as building working
relationships enables you to go that extra mile to deliver successful events.
It can be extremely
frustrating but also incredibly rewarding and if you can juggle several
projects at a time, be prepared for endless admin, calls at weekends and in the
evening, and demonstrate real attention to detail, then you will find the
industry can provide you with a really satisfying career.
So, are Event Management Degrees
and Universities Doing Enough to promote the industry and really give a good
grounding to a career in event management?
Increasingly nowadays University Lecturers have a strong industry
background in the real world, which is absolutely essential and much more
valuable than a life in research and academia! Lecturers today may even have
run their own business. It is important to have these positive role models and
to be inspired by tutors who have the
experience, have run their own agencies and have lots of enlightening anecdotes
to share.
It is vital to have varied input from industry given by micro
businesses, SMEs and right through to worldwide event organisations. Their
input can be inspirational and thought provoking and this also offers the
unique opportunity to ask direct probing questions directly to an expert.
All university students should learn how to create a business plan as this
is an important tool for thinking, learning and understanding. In the events
industry even if you never start your own business the principles of writing a
business plan will be vital transferable skills throughout your career. Client
briefs and proposal need to outline the mission, vision and objectives of an
event, financial projections, marketing and development plan.
The biggest preparation for a career in the events industry is lashings
of experience across a broad range of events. Without this you will have little
chance of securing a job or having the skills and confidence to start your own
company. Universities have a duty to signpost and develop as many opportunities
as possible for their students as well as the individual being proactive.
The UK Centre for Event Management at Leeds Beckett
University
At Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) event management students
undertake personality tests and psychometric testing to identify their
particular strengths and weaknesses which are then matched in a random group of
people with different traits. Each group then meets with charities, selects a
wish list of those they would like to work with, develops revenue generating
innovative event ideas and pitches directly to the clients.
As in the real world this is a competitive process and there is no
guarantee the groups will be chosen by their ideal client but the projects
proceed through the planning process to the live event and generate profit for
these worthy causes.
Idea generation, brain storming, research, pitch presentations, project
planning, report writing, team work are just some of the industry skills that
universities are developing in students. These abilities are essential for the
modern event manager whatever career path they take.
Have a great week and don’t forget to follow #CHSAwards live on Twitter
tomorrow night for updates and results…
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