Job Search & Hiring
How To Become an Event Coordinator
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Event Coordinator or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Event Coordinator, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Event Coordinator job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Event Coordinator
Are you looking to become an event coordinator, or would you like to advance your current career as an event coordinator? Learn how to start down this career path, including the skills you'll need, the ways to get promoted, and what to expect as you embark on this journey. Explore event coordinator job opportunities and the best ways to transition into new roles. Event coordinators use creativity and organization to plan and execute large events. Whether you're starting a new path as an event coordinator or looking to make a switch into the field, start here to discover four steps you should take:
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Gain experience as an event coordinator.
Experience in event coordination is the most necessary thing you need to break into the field. Learning on the job is one of the best ways to develop your event coordinator skills and move into more demanding roles. You won't be able to start as an event coordinator off the bat, so look for open positions with an event planning company.Acting as an assistant, a receptionist, or a scheduler will get your foot in the door and teach you valuable skills about the business. Focus on learning to communicate with customers to understand their vision for the event, connecting with vendors, and the way things run the day of the event. -
Find an event coordinator internship or volunteer position.
For those who are looking to change careers and move into event planning, an internship or a volunteer opportunity can provide you with skills that will make you more attractive to hiring managers. While you're in school, an internship is a good opportunity to develop your professional skills and start networking. Try volunteering with a local nonprofit during their fundraising season. You'll get to see how event coordination works, and you'll start to build connections with others in the business. -
Complete a degree program that offers event planning courses.
A degree is not necessary for a job as an event coordinator, but it can help you learn skills that will make your resume stand out. Look for programs in marketing and public relations, and focus on fundraising and event planning courses. If you're considering branching out on your own as an event planner, a degree will help you understand the business side of event coordination, especially when it comes to branding and marketing your new business. -
Continue to develop your skills as an event coordinator.
Once you have experience and potential schooling, work on coordinating larger or more specialized events. You may be hoping to move into corporate events or weddings or want to focus on fundraising events for nonprofits or evening galas for the entertainment industry. Spend time working with an established business while you're building your knowledge and network, and take on additional roles and responsibilities when possible. You may decide to branch out on your own after several years of experience, allowing you more control over your clients and event types.
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