Whether you start big or small, the important thing is getting as much work experience as possible, and tailoring that experience to fit what your future employer will be looking for.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

With irregular, and sometimes long, working hours, event planning is both exciting and demanding “I might spend a day putting together proposals and contracts, […] downtown fighting my way through the fashion district [or] wine tasting with a caterer. The options are endless; unfortunately so are the hours,” says Hollis who works five days a week, plus at least one weekend day. Let’s take a moment and point out the obvious: Most events take place on weekends, so be ready to say bye-bye to those crazy Friday nights. Though the hours can be tough, she maintains that she loves her job.

As for her advice to those thinking about going into event planning? “The more you learn, the better you’ll be. Interning is the best way to try out some different companies and decide what type of planner you’d like to become. You need to be outgoing, organized, not easily frazzled, creative and truly have a passion for this industry. It’s not an easy job by any means, but it is incredibly fulfilling and so much fun!”


Event planner photo © istock/ Sharon Dominick, graduate photo © istock/Jason Stitt