Have you wanted to get the inside scoop about what it’s really like to make a career change to the events industry? A career path in the events industry isn't only exciting but also a challenging and rewarding experience. This article looks at two possible career paths; events coordinator and events manager.
Does Event Management Have A Promising Future?
Absolutely. It’s an industry that’s been growing by 6% a year since 2014, despite the chaos of the global pandemic. For those with the skills, drive, and online training, there is much to get excited about when it comes to career progression and job satisfaction.
How Is Event Management A Career Option?
That’s what we aim to shed some light on here. As career counselling shows us, you need to be in a role that you like and is suited to your talents. So, sit back and relax as we examine two of the roles you can pursue after studying for Events.
Career Path #1 - EVENTS COORDINATOR
Does the thought of organising events and meetings excite you? Well, a career as an events coordinator could be the perfect step. Being a role in demand, an events coordinator allows you to participate in the organisation role alongside an events manager.
This includes everything from weddings and banquets to conferences and seminars, and you’ll be working with clients, with your organisational skills being tested to the max. Your job is to coordinate and delegate tasks to people so that the client's event is an unforgettable one.
What’s the Pay Like As an Events Coordinator?
As an events coordinator, you can earn between $59,375-$71 197, depending on your experience. The average salary is $65,285, and the role is pressured, with clients having high expectations. Events can also cost thousands of dollars, so you must ensure they run smoothly.
What Skills Do Events Coordinators Need?
As conventional career counselling wisdom tells us, to make a success of the role of events coordinator, there are a number of important personal skills you need to have, such as:
- The ability to listen (active listening)
- Being able to communicate information accurately
- Monitoring, assessing and adjusting your approach when needed
- Critical thinking abilities
- Great time management
- Excellent skills in negotiation
What Knowledge Must Event Coordinators Have?
Specific knowledge is also important for the role of an events coordinator, so you’ll need to have a firm grasp on things like:
- Knowledge of electronic equipment, hardware & software.
- Understanding sales & marketing
- Grasping principles around planning, leadership & production methods
- Knowledge of providing customer & personal services
What Does a Typical Day Look Like For an Events Coordinator?
Day-to-day activities can be quite varied for an events coordinator, depending on the event they’re helping to organise. Typical tasks you’ll need to take care of include:
- Meeting with sponsors & organising committees to plan the scope & format of events, establish & monitor budgets, or review administrative procedures & event progress.
- Monitoring event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations & laws, the satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
- Coordinating services for events, such as accommodation & transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing & event security.
Career Path #2 - EVENTS MANAGER
Once you have all the relevant online training, you could also pursue a career as an events manager - someone who plays an extremely important role in the industry.
Not only do they organise events, but they are the #1 person to keep things running smoothly. An events manager controls the project, so if you like to be that person who runs the entire shebang, then this job is perfect for you.
What’s Pay Like As an Events Manager?
Commensurate with the level of responsibility of an events manager, the pay is typically very good for anyone in the role. The average salary is around $100k per annum, so the rewards offered to people with drive and confidence are apparent.
What Skills Do Events Managers Need?
You are the overall point of contact for the entire event, so you’ll need a raft of strong interpersonal skills, such as:
- Problem-solving - for when aspects don’t go to plan
- Persuasion & negotiation - as you squeeze every cent out of your client’s budget
- Great mental arithmetic - allowing you to make split-second budget decisions
- Awesome organisational skills - as there’s much to coordinate
- Calmness under pressure - as there’s always lots of that in this role
What Knowledge Must Event Managers Have?
You’re often all things to all people, even when you have a team to help you complete all the necessary tasks. As such, you’ll need an in-depth knowledge of:
- Administration & management
- Media & communication
- Public safety & security
- Where to find the best suppliers
- Modern software tools like com
What Does a Typical Day Look Like For an Events Manager?
There’s never a dull moment working as an events manager, so if you’re making a career change into the role, you need to be aware of the following. A typical day will usually involve a mixture of:
- Coordinate staff, convention personnel, or clients to arrange group meetings, events, or conventions.
- Planning & developing programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to customer requirements.
- Meeting with sponsors & organising committees to plan the scope & format of events, establish & monitor budgets, or review administrative procedures & event progress.
- Promoting conference and convention trade show services by performing tasks such as meeting with professional & trade associations & producing brochures and other publications.
So, there you have it, two events industry roles offer much. There’s a little overlap between the positions, and both require responsibility. Both call for high-level interpersonal skills and an ability to keep your head when those around you are losing theirs. Which is right for your career change? That’s for you to decide.
Gain New Pro Skills the Easy Way With OCA Online Training
Roles like these call for a good blend of strong soft and hard skills, and the good news is that OCA short courses represent the easiest and most convenient way to work on yours. Our video-based courses are CPD Endorsed and offer a truly immersive and stimulating learning experience, as you can see in our student study demo.
You’re always fully supported with OCA, too, as all of our courses come with 1-to-1 mentor support seven days a week and can be paid for in manageable instalments if required. To learn more about this, our full course library covers more than 20 industries visit us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
Alternatively, to chat with our team about your learning requirements or have your questions answered, you can contact us by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling us on 1300 611 404.
