New Career for 2011? Event Management

It may seem as though the worst of the recession is over, although the employment arena is now a very different place to how it was a few years ago. With many private companies and public services working under tighter conditions, the threat of redundancy is still there for many, and although there are jobs out there, they may not offer the job satisfaction you are looking for.

Many young people are choosing to further their education during these turbulent times, with record numbers heading to university. Gaining additional qualifications is something which can open the door to a whole host of opportunities, and could help you find a rewarding career in these challenging times.

One area which looks set to do well in 2011 is the event management industry. In the UK there are many towns and cities which thrive on tourism, and with 'stay-cations' looking probable once more for a number of Brits this year, many local tourist boards and councils will be looking to attract visitors. One way of doing this is through staging events such as Art Weeks, Literary Festivals or Historical Tours.

Event management is an exciting career, fast paced and varied. It will most likely involve working unsociable hours at times, and can be stressful, but if you perform well under pressure then event management could be the perfect industry for you.

Whether you have years of experience working in a completely unrelated field, or are fresh from college or university, there are event management courses for you. It is a competitive industry to get into, however with the right qualifications and experience, and some hard work, it is possible.

There are a huge number of event management courses available, and choosing the right one may seem a little bit daunting. There are general courses, corporate courses, wedding planning courses, some are full time, some part time, some end with a certificate, others with a diploma...

Firstly you need to decide the type of events you want to manage, and ensure that the course covers that. Next you need to ensure that the course will suitably qualify you for the job. Ask to read some testimonials from previous students, and ask about what they have gone on to do. Check to see if the course is accredited. The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM ) accredits Management courses, and is recognised worldwide.

Next you need to find a course at times and places to suit you. There are full and part time courses on offer, and the part time courses are often scheduled to permit you to keep a 9 to 5 job whilst completing your studies. Some courses will also offer an unpaid work placement, which not only will offer you the chance to put your newly learned skills to the test, but gives you some industry specific experience to add to your CV and will allow you to provide a valuable reference once you are applying for jobs.