No Experience? No Problem!
The allure of the event industry is undeniable. It's an exhilarating space where creativity, technology, and people converge to create unforgettable experiences. But how do you break into this vibrant industry, without prior experience? There are three key ways you can get event experience quickly and here's how to navigate it with confidence and flair.
Understand the "How" of Gaining Experience
Gaining experience in the event industry is akin to building a mosaic; every piece, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. There are three main ways to start collating your pieces:
Volunteering: The backbone of your first foray into events. Seek opportunities to help at various events, from local community gatherings to larger festivals or sporting events. This isn't just about lending a hand; it's about identifying specific skills you wish to develop. Approach event organisers directly, offer your enthusiasm, and be clear about the skills you're aiming to develop.
Hosting Your Own Event: There's no teacher like first-hand experience. Organising your event, be it a networking mixer, a workshop, or a charity fundraiser, is like a crash course. It challenges you to apply a wide range of skills — from ideation and organisation to marketing. It’s about bringing your vision to life, from the spark of an idea to the applause at the end. Start small but think strategically; each event is a learning opportunity and a chance to display your capabilities.
Seizing Opportunities at Work: Do you have a day job in a different sector? Look for cracks through which event planning might seep into your role. Seek out additional responsibilities or projects that intersect with events. This could mean volunteering for event-related tasks at your current job, engaging in job sharing to learn from a colleague, or even shadowing someone in an event role to gain insights into their day-to-day challenges and solutions.
Five Practical Steps to Kickstart Your Journey
- Seek Volunteer Opportunities: Keep an eye out for events in your area or within organisations close to your heart. These are gold mines for first hand experience, offering a glimpse into everything from crowd management to event design.
- Dream Up Your Own Event: What excites you? Is it a poetry club, a tech workshop, or a neighbourhood clean-up? Brainstorm what's feasible for you. Map it out and make it happen. Consider what you love, the resources you have at hand, and the network you can tap into.
- Lean Into Your Current Role: If your current job seems worlds apart from event planning, think again. Is there an upcoming project that could use an eventful twist? Volunteer to lead it, be proactive about taking on extra responsibilities that relate to events or suggest creating an event-related project. Networking within your organisation can also unveil opportunities to gain experience and grow.
- Educate Yourself: The web is bursting with knowledge. Hunt down courses that resonate with your event aspirations. Beyond hands-on experience, online courses and certifications can bolster your understanding of the industry. Platforms like Eventucate, LinkedIn Learning, and Eventbrite offer courses ranging from event marketing to coordination.
- Network Like It’s Your Job: Because in many ways, it is. The event world thrives on connections. Attend industry meetups, join online forums, and don’t shy away from reaching out to people whose work you admire. Conversations can lead to opportunities. Not only can these networks provide mentorship, but they also often post job or volunteer posts before they're made public.
Embrace Your Path
Embarking on a career in the event industry requires a blend of creativity, resilience, and a willingness to learn. By volunteering, creating your own experiences, and continuously seeking learning opportunities, you're laying a solid foundation for a successful career. Remember, every event, no matter the scale, is a stepping stone. So, take that first step, embrace the journey, and watch as your event planning career unfolds.
Remember, the essence of the event industry lies not just in creating memorable experiences for others but in cherishing the journey it takes you on. Each step, no matter how small, is a leap towards the hero you're destined to become in the event world. So, take a deep breath, step forward, and let your event planning journey begin. It's going to be one heck of a ride!
