Events Management CAREER INSIGHT
LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk
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Career Insight: Events Management
Introduction Events management is a challenging and varied career where you can expect to have to deal with areas as diverse as marketing, finance, human resources, health and safety and risk management, and be able to juggle several high priority tasks at once.
Typical job options Your degree in Events Management from LJMU will provide you with an excellent foundation and wide knowledge base to enable you to enter careers within a range of industries, including commercial, local authorities and in the voluntary sector. You could choose a career in event administration, sports, arts, music, conventions, exhibitions, meetings, event-related venues, event tourism and event hospitality. In addition, you have the option to be selfemployed as an event professional. A good place to start exploring your options is the Prospects website which has an excellent overview of specific job options related your degree. Start exploring via the links below.
Event Organiser http://www.prospects.ac.uk/event_organiser_job_description.htm
Roles in PR http://www.prospects.ac.uk/public_relations_account_executive_job_description.ht m http://www.prospects.ac.uk/public_relations_officer_job_description.htm
Roles in Marketing http://www.prospects.ac.uk/marketing_executive_job_description.htm
Conference Centre Manager http://www.prospects.ac.uk/conference_centre_manager_job_description.htm
Some job options within the Third sector (community, voluntary and charity) include:
Charity Officer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/charity_officer_job_description.htm
Charity Fundraiser http://www.prospects.ac.uk/charity_fundraiser_job_description.htm
To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas.
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Career Insight: Events Management
Work Experience Experience and knowledge either paid or voluntary, is essential. Organising or helping with events for a student society, charity or other organisation is particularly useful, as is work in the hotel or travel industry and sales, marketing or customer service experience. Work experience also provides a valuable opportunity to network and develop contacts in the industry. The majority of work experience in events management is found through speculative applications and networking. If you need help with this approach you should use our mini guides on producing effective CVs and covering letters and also our workshop around using LinkedIn effectively. For contact details of organisations to whom you could speculatively apply use the useful links and websites section below including websites such as the Association of Event Organisers, Event Magazine and The White Book: Event production directory for event organisers. As well as event agencies, think about contacting large scale institutions which may have an events team. Many academic institutions, museums, galleries, financial and corporate institutions, as well as local government and charities will have their own ‘in-house’ events teams.
Example events/organisations for work experience/volunteering include:
International Festival of Business
Parent and Toddler Show
Liverpool Triathlon
Liverpool Light Night
Vintage Fairs
Liverpool Pride
Food and Drink Festival
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Music festivals – Glastonbury, V festival, Creamfields
Voluntary work for a registered charity is also a great way of getting experience in events. Lots of voluntary organisations need people to help run events, notably in fundraising, which a great many events management roles are linked to. As these organisations usually have few staff, you will find that you are given lots of responsibility, which looks good on your CV.
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Career Insight: Events Management
There are a number of voluntary/third sector organisations that offer excellent internship opportunities; these may not lead to a graduate job but can give you a head start when applying for work. Some examples for you to explore include:
Barnardo’s – they run a variety of voluntary internships in a number of departments. Most last for three months: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/get_involved/volunteering.htm
The British Red Cross run a selection of voluntary internships in a variety of locations around the UK: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Get-involved/Volunteer/Internships
Cancer Research UK runs graduate training schemes in science and research, corporate services, and fundraising and marketing. They also run an internship scheme, details of which can be found on their website: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/charity-jobs/graduates-andinterns/graduate-scheme
The Charities Advisory Trust offers short internships (October to December) or early-entry ‘advanced’ internships (of varying length) for those who have two years’ work experience post-graduation: http://www.charitiesadvisorytrust.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support runs an internship scheme focusing on events, communications and fundraising: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/GetInvolved/Volunteer/Internships/InternshipScheme .aspx
Oxfam offers internships lasting between three and six months and a long-term internship lasting between six and twelve months: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/internships-and-officeroles
For more information download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities.
Increasing your chances Some tips for increasing your chances of getting into the Events Management industry:
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Keep up-to-date: event professionals need to keep up to date with the latest news and developments. Check the websites of key organisations such as Event Magazine, Eventia, and the Association of Event Organisers. Event Magazine also has a useful ‘career news and advice section’ on their website: http://www.eventjobsearch.co.uk/careers/. There are also a variety of useful event
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Career Insight: Events Management
blogs that you could follow or even start your own such as: www.eventjuice.co.uk www.eventmanagerblog.com, www.invesp.com/blog-rank/Event_Planning
Skills: Event Management employers have told us that they are increasingly looking for excellent skills in ICT, particularly in the use of Excel. In addition candidates with Health and Safety qualifications, First Aid at work and Certificates in Stewarding are also highly valued and can make you stand out from the crowd!
Network, network, network: Keep in contact with people from past and current placements - you may find out about job opportunities in this way. Believe it or not, most people like to help! Don't be afraid to let people know you are looking for a job.
Social Media: Social media is becoming an increasingly popular and effective tool when job hunting and networking. You can use social media in a number of ways - to develop professionally (by sharing knowledge, ideas and debating issues), to network and to ask for and share information. One of the most popular and powerful social media outlets is Twitter. Aside from professional networking and knowledge sharing Twitter also advertises job and career opportunities (see below for some useful twitter feeds).
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): You should start using LinkedIn, it provides opportunities to network online with professionals from all kinds of different employment sectors: there are also groups for different organisations/sectors and institutions such as universities (including one for LJMU alumni). Getting started LinkedIn have produced 6 video guides aimed at students and graduates to help get you started: http://students.linkedin.com/uk
Get help with your application form and CV: You may have excellent experience that you are not portraying effectively. The application form is crucial, it is the first thing an employer will see about you and must be well written, supported with examples and targeted to the organisation and role. You can also book an appointment with an Employability Adviser who will work with you to help you develop an effective CV. Information about booking an appointment can be found on our website here: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm
Main employers Organisations involved in event management span both the public and private sectors, varying in size from small consultants to larger, multinational organisations. Organisations where event management teams may be found include: specialist event management consultancies; conference and exhibition centres; large commercial organisations; charities; hotels; universities; local authorities; public relations (PR) agencies. Some SMEs may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites, the Job Centre
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Career Insight: Events Management
and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting, outlined above, is also important when looking for graduate roles. Making contacts and approaching organisations speculatively to look for work is a common route into employment. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm.
Alternative options Many graduate roles are open to candidates from any degree background or you could gain required qualifications by undertaking postgraduate study. Ensure you research entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree (e.g. for teaching roles, law, marketing)? Law Conversion: Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) - The GDL is for students wishing to become law professionals. To become a solicitor or a barrister, you’ll need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) respectively, and taking the GDL is the fast-track route onto these courses for students without an accredited undergraduate degree in law. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector Primary/Secondary Teacher: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/primary_school_teacher_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm Teaching post 16/FE Lecturer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/further_education_lecturer_job_description.htm http://archive.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=320148 Human Resource Management: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/human-resources-officer Marketing: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marketing-executive
We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers Team website at http://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm
Graduate Training Schemes Many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject. Recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Most closing dates vary so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process for graduate training schemes usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. This may be followed by psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre. You may also need to submit your CV. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from http://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. Many of these opportunities are advertised in the Prospects Directory and the Targetjobs Directory (available from the
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Career Insight: Events Management
Careers Team or on the Prospects and Targetjobs website); on websites like www.milkround.com as well as on the organisations’ own websites. Check out the Target Jobs website for more information: http://targetjobs.co.uk/graduate-schemes.
Useful links and websites (here are a selection of key websites related to the above information; for a more comprehensive list download the ‘useful careers websites’ document for your course) LJMU Vacancy website
http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/
Prospects (careers information and graduate jobs
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
TargetJobs (careers information and graduate jobs)
http://targetjobs.co.uk/
Milkround (graduate jobs, placements & internships)
http://www.milkround.com/
Jobs in the public sector
http://www.lgjobs.com/ http://www.jobsgopublic.com/
Graduate to Merseyside – Graduate placements in small/medium-sized businesses in Merseyside -
http://www.graduatetomerseyside.co.uk/ Graduate Talent Pool (grad internship opportunities)
http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/
Information about postgraduate study
http://www.postgrad.com/
Chartered Institute of Marketing:
http://www.cim.co.uk/ http://www.getin2marketing.com/
Search for jobs in marketing:
http://www.simplymarketingjobs.co.uk http://jobs.brandrepublic.com/ http://www.campaignjobs.co.uk/
Information about careers in Advertising from the Creative Skills Sector Council: http://www.creativeskillset.org/advertising/ Institute of Practitioners in Advertising:
http://www.ipa.co.uk/
Targetjobs Retail: information about careers in retail, buying and merchandising http://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/retail-buying-and-merchandising
Events Management careers/vacancy websites: Event Secrets Meetpie Ents Web (entertainment and event management directory) Society of Event Organisers
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http://eventsecrets.com http://meetpie.com http://entsweb.ltd.uk http://seoevent.co.uk
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Career Insight: Events Management
Visit Liverpool The White Book (directory of events suppliers, venues, etc.) Brand Republic (jobs for marketing, advertising and media) Caterer (jobs in the UK hospitality sector) The Marketer Jobs in Higher Education Guardian Jobs Hospitality Guild Event Job Search Compass Group NEC Group
http://visitliverpool.com http://whitebook.co.uk http://jobs.brandrepublic.com http://caterer.com http://themarketer.co.uk http://jobs.ac.uk http://jobs.theguardian.com http://hospitalityguild.co.uk http://eventjobsearch.co.uk http://jobsatcompass.co.uk http://necgroup.co.uk/careers
Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter: (#events #eventprofs #eventjobs) @LJMUCareers @Prospects @targetjobsUK @meetpie
@eventia @Eventmagazine @CIPR_UK @prweekuknews
@prjobsuk @CIMinfo @BrandRepublic @InsideCareers
Key events and networking
Liverpool Careers Fairs: are usually held in the autumn and spring of each year and the Liverpool Law Fair usually takes place in October/November, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for details.
Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/ for details.
Careers and employability events at LJMU: keep an eye on our events page at https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks.
LinkedIn: you could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account https://www.linkedin.com to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry.
LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: http://www.liverpoolsu.com/clubsandsocs.
Other information
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Centre for Entrepreneurship - support for LJMU students and graduates interested in starting up their own business https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup/.
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Career Insight: Events Management
Postgraduate Study - download our mini-guide on “Thinking about Postgraduate Study” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different options available.
Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the Careers Team. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, try our Twitter and Facebook pages.
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Career Insight: Events Management
NOTES
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Career Insight: Events Management
NOTES
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