Working in Events

So you want to work in events?

It's great that we get sent CVs every week from people who tell me they want to work in events. There’s no doubt it’s a popular industry to work in, and a difficult one to break into. Here’s my guide to finding your way in.

Is working in events the right career for you?

Many people are lured to the industry by the hope of working on razzmatazz parties and award ceremonies and the dream of mixing with the glitterati. In reality you should be prepared for long days, irregular hours, seriously hard work and usually starting on a low salary. On the up side no two days will be the same and the buzz and excitement of delivering a successful event gives great job satisfaction.

What qualities do you need to make a good events manager?

You need to be a people person, a problem solver and have great organisational skills. An eye for detail and creative flair are also a must.

Should you consider a degree in Events Management?

In my opinion an academic degree or a degree in business studies will give you far better grounding and more career options. Alongside this however gaining solid experience in the events industry will be far more valuable than a vocational degree in Events Management.

What are the first steps to working in the industry?

The events industry is a practical industry which requires practical experience. Look for and research ways to build up a body of work experience. Think about approaching event agencies about an internship or contact festivals or charities about doing voluntary work. This will not only enhance your CV but demonstrate your commitment as well and help you start to network and build up contacts.

And how do you find your first job?

There is no one way or right way into your first job. Research the market in your area - remember jobs in the events industry can be found in agencies and in-house as well. I started my career organising events in hotels then moved into an in-house role in the police force before founding Mosaic Events. And when you do start sending your CV out my advice is to be persistent and make sure you stand out from the crowd. I get hundreds of run-of-the-mill CVs and the temptation can be to place them in a file. Think about taking a creative or individual approach which gets you noticed and then follow up with a phone call its amazing how many people don't.

Good luck - as always if you want to write a Blog for Mosaic e-mail sarah@mosaicevents.co.uk