Easily the most common question I am asked is, "What kind of event planning courses do I need to become an event planner?" And a few years ago, my answer was different than it is today.
Up until recently, event planning wasn't really considered to be an actual career path. Special events were planned by volunteers and committees with only a few paid positions, and corporate events, meetings, and incentives were passed off to the marketing department or an administrative assistant.
As a result, there also weren't many options for formal training or event planning courses. Most of us "old timers" had to learn by the "school of hard knocks"; sink or swim, trial-and-error, learn as you go. It was painful and it wasn't pretty; but thankfully, times have changed.
As more companies learn the value of professionally organized events, there is an increasing need for formal training in event planning. And, as the industry continues to grow more competitive, training and education will give you an edge over others who have no training at all.
You see, there is one very important thing to understand as someone who wants to break into event planning: companies no longer have the time or the resources to train you, even for entry-level positions. They want someone who knows enough to hit the ground running; and in such competitive times, they can afford to require this. It makes it quite easy, actually, for them to weed you out and to give that entry-level position to someone who understands the lingo and the basics of planning.
That point is so important that I'm going to say it again:
***You simply can not get a job (even an entry-level one) in event planning
unless you already have learned the basics of event planning; because
nobody has the time or resources to train you.***
So if you've been sending out dozens (or hundreds) of emails and resumes saying things like "I just know that I am meant to be an event planner, and I would appreciate you giving me a chance"....then don't expect a call back. It's quite possible that you were truly born to be a planner; but until you learn the basics, no one is going to give you a shot.
Not to mention, it's just common sense that you need to understand the basics of the job before you get a job!
If you're ready to learn more about how to learn about event planning, then click here to read about the Planning Events Course.