How to become Events manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Relevant subjects include:
- events management
- marketing
- communications
- hospitality management
- leisure and tourism
- business management
University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You can gain relevant skills and knowledge that might help you get started in the industry by taking a course like:
- event planning
- event management
- live events and promotion
Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do one of the following apprenticeships:
- Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an admin or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
Conference management, marketing and public relations companies would be useful to work for.
Volunteering
Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.
To find volunteering opportunities:
- follow conference and events organisations on social media
- look out for news of events in your local area
- search Do IT
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you can show you have experience of working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.
Real career story
Apprenticeship
"I did a 2 year Business Administration Apprenticeship within the Civil Service. I stayed for 12 years working in various departments and found my passion for events and marketing. The apprenticeship helped me choose the career path I wanted to take."
University study and work
"I went on to study a Chartered Institute in Marketing (CIM) qualification at university. I started working for a college doing marketing and events for student recruitment. I moved into commercial events, working with clients from their initial enquiry through to the event itself."
Lead event coordinator
"I moved to a university as the lead event coordinator. I enjoyed working in the events team as no day was the same. I managed lots of events ranging from small meetings and functions to large conferences. I also organised some pretty cool events such as BBC Question Time."
Business development manager
"I was promoted to business development manager within the university. To work in events you need to have an eye for detail, be very organised and able to multitask. People outside of work often say I should work in events as I pre-empt any problems and am really organised, to which I reply, I do!"
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Career tips
Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills, like organising, budget management and marketing.
You can get skills like these from working in industries, such as:
- hotel conference and banqueting
- travel
- sales
- PR
- fundraising
Professional and industry bodies
You can find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like: