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How can I get started as an event planner in the Bay Area?
I just graduated as a Communication Studies Major and I’m trying to get into the industry, but when I ask the local agencies for positions they’re all full.
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3 answers
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Jerel’s Answer
Hi Wren and thank you for your question. It's great to hear that you're interested in event planning as a career. Event planning is definitely a fun and rewarding field, and I'm glad to hear that you're interested in pursuing it in the Bay Area.
It's great that you've already reached out to local agencies for positions, but if they're all full, don't worry! There are still other ways to get your foot in the door. One option is to look for internships or entry-level positions at smaller event planning firms or non-profit organizations. These experiences can help you build your skills and network, and may eventually lead to a position at a larger agency.
Another option is to offer your event planning services on a freelance or volunteer basis. You could reach out to local community organizations or non-profits to see if they need help planning events, or even plan your own events to build your portfolio and gain experience.
Networking is also key in the event planning industry, so be sure to attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field through LinkedIn or other platforms. You could also consider joining a professional organization, such as the International Live Events Association or the Event Planners Association, to connect with other event planners and stay up-to-date on industry trends and opportunities.
Finally, don't give up on applying for positions at local agencies. Even if they don't have any current openings, it's always worth reaching out and letting them know you're interested in working with them. Sometimes, agencies will create positions for talented and passionate individuals, so keep putting yourself out there and showing your enthusiasm for the industry.
I hope these tips help you get started as an event planner in the Bay Area. Best of luck to you!
It's great that you've already reached out to local agencies for positions, but if they're all full, don't worry! There are still other ways to get your foot in the door. One option is to look for internships or entry-level positions at smaller event planning firms or non-profit organizations. These experiences can help you build your skills and network, and may eventually lead to a position at a larger agency.
Another option is to offer your event planning services on a freelance or volunteer basis. You could reach out to local community organizations or non-profits to see if they need help planning events, or even plan your own events to build your portfolio and gain experience.
Networking is also key in the event planning industry, so be sure to attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field through LinkedIn or other platforms. You could also consider joining a professional organization, such as the International Live Events Association or the Event Planners Association, to connect with other event planners and stay up-to-date on industry trends and opportunities.
Finally, don't give up on applying for positions at local agencies. Even if they don't have any current openings, it's always worth reaching out and letting them know you're interested in working with them. Sometimes, agencies will create positions for talented and passionate individuals, so keep putting yourself out there and showing your enthusiasm for the industry.
I hope these tips help you get started as an event planner in the Bay Area. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Annie’s Answer
Leverage Your Communication Skills
As a Communication Studies major, you already possess strong communication skills, which are crucial in event planning. Use these skills to network and build relationships within the industry.
Networking and Volunteering
Networking Events: Attend industry networking events, seminars, and workshops in the Bay Area. Platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup can help you find relevant events.
Professional Associations: Join professional associations such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to connect with industry professionals.
Volunteering: Offer to volunteer at local events or with event planning companies. This can provide valuable experience and help you build a network.
Freelancing and Building a Portfolio
Freelance Projects: Start by planning small events for friends or local community organizations. This will help you gain experience and build a portfolio.
Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your work, including any events you've helped organize, to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Online Presence and Learning
LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and experiences related to event planning. Connect with professionals in the industry.
Online Courses: Consider taking online courses in event management to enhance your skills and knowledge. Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer relevant courses.
Persistence and Adaptability
Stay Persistent: Keep reaching out to agencies and companies, even if they are currently full. Express your willingness to take on internships or part-time roles.
Adaptability: Be open to starting in related roles, such as marketing or public relations, which can provide valuable experience and lead to opportunities in event planning.
Remember, breaking into the industry can take time, but with persistence and strategic networking, you can find your way into the event planning field in the Bay Area. Good luck!
As a Communication Studies major, you already possess strong communication skills, which are crucial in event planning. Use these skills to network and build relationships within the industry.
Networking and Volunteering
Networking Events: Attend industry networking events, seminars, and workshops in the Bay Area. Platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup can help you find relevant events.
Professional Associations: Join professional associations such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to connect with industry professionals.
Volunteering: Offer to volunteer at local events or with event planning companies. This can provide valuable experience and help you build a network.
Freelancing and Building a Portfolio
Freelance Projects: Start by planning small events for friends or local community organizations. This will help you gain experience and build a portfolio.
Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your work, including any events you've helped organize, to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Online Presence and Learning
LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and experiences related to event planning. Connect with professionals in the industry.
Online Courses: Consider taking online courses in event management to enhance your skills and knowledge. Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer relevant courses.
Persistence and Adaptability
Stay Persistent: Keep reaching out to agencies and companies, even if they are currently full. Express your willingness to take on internships or part-time roles.
Adaptability: Be open to starting in related roles, such as marketing or public relations, which can provide valuable experience and lead to opportunities in event planning.
Remember, breaking into the industry can take time, but with persistence and strategic networking, you can find your way into the event planning field in the Bay Area. Good luck!
Updated
Charli’s Answer
Hi Wren!
I worked in the San Jose area as an event manager for a few years. I would suggest looking into non-profits for event coordinator roles or even development operations/philanthropy/programs roles as they are most often largely focused on event planning. You could also look into the philanthropy teams at larger corporations. I am currently working at Salesforce as a program manager coordinating employee volunteer events with non-profits around the world.
If you are hoping to get into a more specific type of event planning like weddings as an example you will definitely need a portfolio of events you have planned or supported as Jerel mentioned in his comment!
Best of luck!
Look into non-profits for event planning opportunities
Start small to build your portfolio
Volunteer to support events to gain experience in the industry
I worked in the San Jose area as an event manager for a few years. I would suggest looking into non-profits for event coordinator roles or even development operations/philanthropy/programs roles as they are most often largely focused on event planning. You could also look into the philanthropy teams at larger corporations. I am currently working at Salesforce as a program manager coordinating employee volunteer events with non-profits around the world.
If you are hoping to get into a more specific type of event planning like weddings as an example you will definitely need a portfolio of events you have planned or supported as Jerel mentioned in his comment!
Best of luck!
Charli recommends the following next steps: