Events manager

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Relevant subjects include:

• events management
• marketing
• communications
• hospitality management
• leisure and tourism
• business management

University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can gain relevant skills and knowledge that might help you get started in the industry by taking a course like:

• event planning
• event management
• live events and promotion
• T Level in Marketing

Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

You could apply to do one of the following apprenticeships:

• Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an admin assistant or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Conference management, marketing and public relations companies would be useful to work for.

Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.

To find volunteering opportunities:

• follow conference and events organisations on social media
• look out for news of events in your local area
• search Do IT

You can apply directly for jobs if you can show you have experience of working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.

Career Tips

Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills, like organising, budget management and marketing.

You can get skills like these from working in industries, such as:

• hotel conference and banqueting
• travel
• sales
• PR
• fundraising

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:

• Association of Event Organisers
• Eventia
• Association of British Professional Conference Organisers
• The Chartered Institute of Marketing

As an events manager, you'll:

• agree the type of event, budgets and timescales with the client
• research venues, contacts and suppliers and negotiate prices
• book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
• hire and supervise contractors like caterers and security
• oversee the design of publicity material and promote events
• sell exhibition stand space and arrange sponsorship deals
• follow health, safety and insurance regulations
• make sure everything runs smoothly for the duration of the event

You could work in an office, at events, at a venue or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.