How Do I Become an Event Marketing Manager?

An event marketing manager overseas the planning, implementation, and marketing of various types of events. To become an event marketing manager, you may do well to earn a bachelor's degree in a field such as business or marketing and then participate in a related internship or work as an assistant to an event marketing manger; this type of work provides experience and contacts that may help you advance in your career. Additionally, you can consider seeking certification as an event marketing professional in the hopes of boosting your job or client prospects.

A related educational background is often important when you want to become an event marketing manager. For example, you can prepare for this career by graduating from high school and then earning a bachelor's degree in a field such as marketing or business administration. A public relations or hospitality management degree may help prepare you for this career as well. As part of your degree program, independent study, or continuing education, you may do well to take courses in such subjects as special event marketing, event planning, and interior design. Classes that help you improve your sales skills may prove beneficial as well.

While a prospective employer might find a related degree impressive, he may prove more likely to hire you if you have related experience as well. For example, you may do well to secure and participate in an internship in event marketing as preparation for this job. You might also benefit from taking on an internship in public relations or general marketing. You can even learn a good deal and develop contacts through internships in the sales field or those related to fashion, entertainment, or interior design.

To gain more experience and improve your chances of qualifying for the job you want, you may do well to take on a full-time position with an event marketing company. Often, working as an assistant in this field provides the type of experience you will need to become an event marketing manager. Likewise, if you have the opportunity to work as a junior event marketer under a senior professional, this may prove helpful as well. Ideally, these types of work opportunities will provide experience with everything from working with vendors and creating budgets for events to writing press releases and managing contracts.

While it isn't an absolute requirement, earning related certifications may help improve your job prospects. For example, if an organization in your jurisdiction issues certifications for event planners, event marketers, or meeting professionals, earning such a credential may give you a leg up over other job candidates. Likewise, if you choose to start your own event marketing business, possessing certification may help you acquire new clients.