How Do I Become an Event Manager?

There are few hard-and-fast requirements you will have to meet to become an event manager. Some employers, however, prefer job candidates with college degrees; even if they do not, earning a degree in a field such as business or hospitality can provide good preparation for this career and increase your chances of landing the job you want. Your skills and experience will likely prove most important when you are preparing for this job, as most employers and clients seek event managers who have good organizational and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to visualize successful events. Additionally, negotiation skills and leadership abilities are important in this field.

The amount of education you will need to become an event manager will likely depend on the employer with whom you will seek a job. Some may require a minimum of a bachelor's degree while others will prove more concerned with your skill and experience. If you plan to start your own event management business, you may not need a degree, as clients will usually prove more interested in your skills and reputation than your educational background. You might, however, still find earning a related degree good preparation for this career.

Business and management degrees are among the most helpful, but a hospitality-related degree may prove helpful as well. In addition to or instead of a college education, you might also use hospitality-related training or work experience to prepare. Management experience may also prove beneficial when you are applying for this type of job or preparing to start your own event management business.

There is a range of skills you will likely need when you want to become an event manager. Among the most important are usually interpersonal and organizational skills. You will also need the ability to work independently and meet goals and deadlines without supervision or guidance. Additionally, you will typically need the ability to help organize others and lead them in planning and preparing for a variety of events. Most employers and clients will also prefer to hire event managers who can pay close attention to detail without ever losing sight of the overall scope of a project.

When you want to become an event manager, you may need mathematical and budgeting abilities as well. Negotiation skills also are often required for dealing with vendors and venue managers as well as others instrumental in making sure an event proceeds as planned. Additionally, you may also do well to build marketing skills, as you may need them when the time comes to seek exposure for events.

Imagination is also critical when you want to become an event manager. In this position, you will usually have to envision various types of events and plan them creatively based on what you imagine would produce success. The ability to effectively present your ideas is critical as well.