The experts speak: Justine Kane
Justine Kane is an event management professional with more than 12 years experience and is joining us on behalf of Event Management Training. Justine works in both the profit and non-profit sectors on a consultancy basis.
What tips can you give students trying to get working in the events industry?
It is quite a competitive industry to get in but do not despair - where there is a will there is a way! I think a couple of combined options would work:
1: Do a course in event management to show you are serious and to show you have some expertise in the area - that will put you a step above others who may be applying for the same jobs .
2: I would recommend trying to volunteer as much as possible. This does 3 things: firstly it gives you the chance to figure where you see yourself in the events industry as it is such a big area, secondly it gives you the chance to develop your CV further so it looks more events based and lastly it gives you the opportunity to start to network which is what the industry is all about.
If you can do it I would highly recommend doing a placement as it is a great way for you to get your foot through the door and for companies to try before they buy so to speak.
How important is a degree?
It would probably bode well for your own confidence in the area when in interviews and actually in a role so you feel like you know what you are talking about it! There are certain skills that a good event Manager possesses (being organised, people person, flexible etc ) which can be transferrable no matter the trained experience. Do not let this be a hurdle for you because it does not need to be!
What kinds of backgrounds do employers consider?
Lots of different backgrounds are considered for the industry. I have placed Post Grad students of mine with a physics background in roles! I think if you do have a degree or have experience in a different background it does help a lot to do a course in Events so that you show you are serious about the transition and also that you have the knowledge.
