Trying to change career

beccals

Hi

I'm currently working in the Construction industry as a CAD Technician and have been for the past 6 years. It's a career that I very much 'fell into' and my heart really isn't in it.

I am trying to move to working in events management but I'm not sure of the best way to go about this. I can't really afford to pay for training/courses, but it's the only career path that's ever really made sense to me.

My plan was to try and get some work experience over the weekends to build up my skills a bit but there doesn't seem to be anywhere currently looking for help (not near me anyway)

If anybody has any advice it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Elle7

Have you contacted everywhere - venues, hotels, management companies, self-employed event planners?

There are a lot of courses that teach this type of thing, but its the experience that's important. I know quite a few people who took events management at university, and haven't got anywhere with it.

There are distance learning courses that are supposed to be good, and textbooks are always helpful, but shadowing people who already do the work and helping out is always going to be best in my opinion.

beccals

Thanks for replying,

I hadn't thought of hotels, simply because I assumed that they only took on permanent employees. But that's a great idea thanks.

I think you're probably right, from what I've read so far experience tends to be valued over official qualifications.

Firefox1975

Hilton - search their website.

(then come back her and thank me! )

dizzyrascal

A lot of events managers are self employed. You can study this at university but the ones I know have come into it by different routes, more by accident then design.
You could ask some marquee companies how they arrange their events. Do they do it themselves or employ freelance staff. Catering would be a big part of any event be it public or private so again you could ask around, possibly contact specialist catering agencies.
The NHS have their own events management teams, as do other large companies but they often come from marketing backgrounds.

beccals

Hilton looks like a great option, thanks!

Yeah, I've read a few articles that said events (especially weddings) tend to be organised by self-employed people. So maybe that's something to consider down the line but for now I think you've all given really good suggestions that i'll definitely be pursuing!

Thanks :j

Aryndeneth

Try this - http://www.prospects.ac.uk/event_organiser_job_description.htm

Use the links to Entry Requirements, Career Development etc on the side to explore.

Do an audit of the transferable skills your current job demands s that you can explain to potential employers / work experience that, while your current job isn't in the same field. it's still given you something relevant i.e. attention to detail, project management, time management.

Also, in one form or another, you will be asked why you're changing career. Not in a judgemental way but an employer will want to explore your decision making / motivation. Demonstrate that you haven't just decided this on a whim but can articulate why you know this is the right career path for you.

Events management is one of those areas that gets a lot of interest from people who think it's glamorous or fun. If you can demonstrate that you have an appreciation of the realities of the role and the true demands and challenges, you'll be taken more seriously.

Elle7

It's probably worth adding that if you've organised anything yourself, that's likely to be a good start. Weddings, christenings, etc.

Forming relationships with suppliers can be invaluable too, if you know any, or have time to meet/make friends with any.

m-bee

I am a person who graduated with a 2:1 in Events Management in Febuary and the industry is quite competitive. I went to an interview recently where 198 people applied for the job, 100 of those had a degree and only 8 people got picked to be interviewed.
The events industry values your experience more than education however a lot of roles ask that you have a degree in events of something business related (like marketing). Another thing that I think is of importance is about WHO KNOWS YOU. A lot of these jobs are not externally advertised. I worked somewhere working on events 2 years ago and the manager came down and asked the girls if they know anyone who would do well in this job. Building networks on joining groups on LINKEDIN helps you to meet people and attending networking events. Also learn how to network, you have the opportunity to network everyday so come up with an "elevator pitch".

beccals

Thanks!

Do you think that if I could find a role somewhere that they would be willing to sponsor me to complete an events related degree? Is that common in the industry?

I think that's the problem, a lot of people seem to think that because your planning events that it's just one big party, I'm much more realistic thankfully!

Do you think that planning things such as the works christmas party would help? I know it's on a much smaller scale, but figure that it may prove that I can plan an event.

Thanks for all the responses

m-bee

I haven't really heard of that happening in the events industry.
I think you may have a chance of gaining sponsorship if you join alarge company and when it comes to your review suggest that you would like to gain some qualifications. For example, work somewhere as an admin assistant but try and ensure they have a events department within the company. I still haven't permanent job in the events industry but right now I work for a london council borough it's actual a tri city borough so they advertise jobs on the intranet for 3 other boroughs. I also had a job interview for a company called Capita who do business outsourcing and they ensure that their employees are being developed and offer loads of training opportunities.
So my advice to you if you want to be sponsored is to try gaining employment in a large company where there are ways you can train up or switch jobs internally.
Planning small things like christmas parties would definitly help. Some companies might like a person who has little experience who they can train up because it might be more cost effective to them.
I'm not sure where you live but if you live in London there are quite a few opportunties to become a club promoter where you work at nights to try and get people in to clubs. It's commision based but that would look good on your CV if you want somewhere to start off.

Good luck.
If you have any more questions feel free to pm me.