With the promise of dazzling parties, glitzy product launches and plenty of travel, it’s not hard to see why the events industry attracts so many hopeful graduate candidates. But what degree will set you apart from the crowd?
A degree in Events Management will prepare you for the realities of working in the sector. Without wishing to burst the bubble, it’s not just one long party. The hours can be gruelling and you’ll often be expected to work weekends and evenings. If you’re after work life balance and the regularity of a nine to five job, this isn’t the industry for you. Events Management degrees will usually include an industry placement as part of the course, ensuring students already have fantastic experience when they graduate, as well contacts they can approach for a job.
Any other BA or BSc may not be enough to give you a shot in this competitive arena but a postgraduate course could be the answer if you don’t want to do an Events Management degree. Make sure you pick a university with a good reputation for its events courses and ask about employment rates in the sector before you make any decisions.
Whatever degree you opt for, if you want to work in events it’s essential to get as much experience as you can. Work on events while you’re at university, look out for summer jobs working at festivals and other live events, or get a part time job at a nightclub or restaurant. You can even organise your own events, perhaps for charity or other worthy causes.
For some great advice on breaking into the events industry have a look at this article: ‘How to become an Events Manager‘.