I am a corporate event manger. Lucky for me I have always worked in corporate events. I worked my way up by landing a role as an event co-coordinator before being promoted to events executive. I then worked very hard to get a promotion to events manager to now working in a senior events adviser role. I have put in the years, the early starts and in the beginning, shed a few tears (mostly at failed av). I have gone from putting badges together all day to managing 300 person international conferences.. on my own. I love my job and I honestly think corporate events roles are the best. I may though be biased and as I don’t really have any experience in any other types of events andI don’t really know how I can comment. But I am! #lol
Being a corporate event manager means every single day is different. One day you might be organising a breakfast seminar, the next a drinks reception at a swanky bar all whilst working on the firm Christmas party at the end of the year and a conference in Dubai a month after that. It is long hours, it is stressful days BUT it is fun and I wouldn’t do anything else!
Getting a role in corporate is hard. From people I speak to in the industry, it is one of the most sought after gigs so, here are a few tips for getting into corporate:
- Offer to do unpaid work experience. If you can’t afford to do it free, or already have a job so you can’t find the time, then do it out of hours, take a weeks leave, anything, just get some experience and the opportunity to wow someone.
- Go for a role in a organisation that will allow you to move around. I started as a PA many years ago in a law firm. I studied an events diploma in my spare time and when the role came up, I went for it!
- Network, network, network. Networking is key. Go to events where you will meet other people that are doing the job you want. Ask questions, ask how they got in and get yourself known. If I meet someone I know is looking for a role and I hear of one, I always let them know.
If you need any advice at all please drop me a line. Like I said, I think being a corporate event manger is the best and I am more than happy to share the love.
Event Consult 