12 answers
Abby
Student
Flower Mound, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Job possibilities ?
I am wanting to be an event planner but I know that that requires weekends and nights. I don’t mind that right now, but if I would like to have a family one day I would want a 9-5 job. What are some jobs that would be of similar interest that I could possibly get a degree in? I was thinking business management for event planning, but now I’m wondering if I should get a degree in something for a totally different job that I can work once I have a family. I’m trying to balance working in event planning but also getting a degree in something that will help but also provide me with a more stable job someday if that makes sense.
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12 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Abby!
Honestly, Your thought process is smart—you’re balancing passion with long-term stability, which is key to career planning. 👌🏼 So, Event planning is exciting, but having a backup career that allows for more structured hours is a great idea. 😏 Now, am gonna give you here some alternative paths that align with your interests while offering flexibility later in life which I hope helps! 🥸
1. If you love organizing events, you might also enjoy project management. It involves coordinating teams, managing deadlines, and ensuring smooth execution—similar to event planning but with a wider industry range (tech, healthcare, business, etc.). A PMP (Project Management Professional) certification can make you highly employable and allow you to work in various industries.
2. Instead of working in high-pressure social event planning, consider corporate event planning or HR roles related to company events, training sessions, or employee engagement. Many HR professionals oversee company-wide events while maintaining a 9-to-5 schedule.
3. Now, If you love the creative aspect of event planning, user experience (UX) design or digital marketing might be a great fit. UX focuses on designing user-friendly experiences (websites, apps, etc.), while digital marketing involves promoting brands, much like planning successful events. These fields allow remote work and flexible schedules.
4. Public Speaking & Workshop Coordination .... Many event planners naturally develop public speaking and leadership skills. You could transition into workshop coordination, training, or coaching, organizing professional development sessions rather than large-scale events.
5. Okay so, now if you love event planning but need flexibility later, you could eventually run your own event consulting business. This allows you to pick projects on your terms while maintaining control over your schedule.
Abby, remember buddy, You don’t have to lock yourself into one path—many professionals pivot careers over time. Keep an open mind, and you'll find a way to balance passion with stability! Good luck and reach out if need be Abby, stay strong! 😎🤗
Get a versatile degree: Business, communications, or marketing can work across different industries.
Develop transferable skills: Leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, and digital tools (Excel, Canva, event software).
Test the waters: Intern in event planning while also exploring related careers to see what fits best.
Honestly, Your thought process is smart—you’re balancing passion with long-term stability, which is key to career planning. 👌🏼 So, Event planning is exciting, but having a backup career that allows for more structured hours is a great idea. 😏 Now, am gonna give you here some alternative paths that align with your interests while offering flexibility later in life which I hope helps! 🥸
1. If you love organizing events, you might also enjoy project management. It involves coordinating teams, managing deadlines, and ensuring smooth execution—similar to event planning but with a wider industry range (tech, healthcare, business, etc.). A PMP (Project Management Professional) certification can make you highly employable and allow you to work in various industries.
2. Instead of working in high-pressure social event planning, consider corporate event planning or HR roles related to company events, training sessions, or employee engagement. Many HR professionals oversee company-wide events while maintaining a 9-to-5 schedule.
3. Now, If you love the creative aspect of event planning, user experience (UX) design or digital marketing might be a great fit. UX focuses on designing user-friendly experiences (websites, apps, etc.), while digital marketing involves promoting brands, much like planning successful events. These fields allow remote work and flexible schedules.
4. Public Speaking & Workshop Coordination .... Many event planners naturally develop public speaking and leadership skills. You could transition into workshop coordination, training, or coaching, organizing professional development sessions rather than large-scale events.
5. Okay so, now if you love event planning but need flexibility later, you could eventually run your own event consulting business. This allows you to pick projects on your terms while maintaining control over your schedule.
Abby, remember buddy, You don’t have to lock yourself into one path—many professionals pivot careers over time. Keep an open mind, and you'll find a way to balance passion with stability! Good luck and reach out if need be Abby, stay strong! 😎🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Abby many companies prefer candidates who have completed formal training, but event planners often receive training on the job in a previous related position. Training can include shadowing a senior event planner and performing their duties under supervision until they feel comfortable doing tasks on their own. Most event planning jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Individuals without a degree may qualify for an entry-level position if they have one or two years of relevant experience in another major. Most employers look for bachelor's degrees in fields like:
• HOSPITALITY
• MARKETING
• PUBLIC RELATIONS
• COMMUNICATION
• BUSINESSES ADMINISTRATION
🌐 HOSPITALITY — Experience in the hospitality industry complement an event planning job quite well, and provide a great fallback if you decide event planning isn’t for you. Plus, while you’re picking up a degree in hospitality, or working in the industry at first, both will help you learn a great deal about caring for your attendees.
🌀 MARKETING — Taking this major will give you a good understanding in promotions, and help you develop a business sense for when you decide to open up your own event planning business. On top of that, a background in marketing will help you better understand what’s involved in promoting your event, while better equipping you to keep guests engaged.
👥 PUBLIC RELATIONS — Although public relations and marketing are very similar fields, they’re distinct enough that I’ve included them here as separate entries. Marketing is the act of selling a product; Public Relations (PR) is the process of improving a brand’s reputation.Branding is important not only for events, but also businesses in general. With the popularity of social media, public relations is a growing industry. This means that even if your job as an event planner doesn’t pan out, you’ve still got a great career lined up—one with a number of near-limitless opportunities.
🗣️ COMMUNICATIONS — Communications, which might seem like an odd choice, given the clear business-oriented angle of the other entries here. It’s not all that strange when you stop to consider what a degree in communications involves, though. An understanding of media and popular culture can be integral in working out how guests are going to engage with your event. While the oratorical side of this degree can help you plan out some downright ground-breaking presentations.
🌎 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION — Running an event can be a logistical nightmare—which is precisely why a degree in business administration is so valuable for a budding event planner. Learning business administration will teach you how to better manage a team, while equipping you with the necessary skills to handle the logistical challenges of event planning. And again, it’s a solid degree program as far as job security is concerned—even if your event planning career falls through, you’ll have little difficulty landing yourself a job elsewhere.
Hope this was helpful Abby
The event planning industry is dynamic, with trends and technologies constantly evolving. Stay current by reading industry publications, attending workshops, and participating in webinars. Continuous learning will help you to offer the latest in event experiences and maintain a competitive edge. Embrace new technologies that can streamline your planning process and enhance your events, such as event management software and social media marketing tools.
Event planning demands a versatile skill set. Sharpen your organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. Cultivate strong communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate with vendors, coordinate with clients, and lead your event team. Develop a keen eye for detail to ensure every aspect of an event is executed flawlessly. Creativity is also crucial, as you'll need to design events that stand out and engage attendees. Practice these skills through volunteer work, organizing local events, or by taking on leadership roles in community or school organizations.
Real-world experience is critical in the event planning industry. Seek internships or entry-level positions with event planning companies, hotels, or convention centers. Offer to help with event planning for non-profits, friends, or family to build a portfolio of your work. Each event you plan, no matter the size, will teach you valuable lessons and give you a chance to showcase your ability to potential employers or clients.
• HOSPITALITY
• MARKETING
• PUBLIC RELATIONS
• COMMUNICATION
• BUSINESSES ADMINISTRATION
🌐 HOSPITALITY — Experience in the hospitality industry complement an event planning job quite well, and provide a great fallback if you decide event planning isn’t for you. Plus, while you’re picking up a degree in hospitality, or working in the industry at first, both will help you learn a great deal about caring for your attendees.
🌀 MARKETING — Taking this major will give you a good understanding in promotions, and help you develop a business sense for when you decide to open up your own event planning business. On top of that, a background in marketing will help you better understand what’s involved in promoting your event, while better equipping you to keep guests engaged.
👥 PUBLIC RELATIONS — Although public relations and marketing are very similar fields, they’re distinct enough that I’ve included them here as separate entries. Marketing is the act of selling a product; Public Relations (PR) is the process of improving a brand’s reputation.Branding is important not only for events, but also businesses in general. With the popularity of social media, public relations is a growing industry. This means that even if your job as an event planner doesn’t pan out, you’ve still got a great career lined up—one with a number of near-limitless opportunities.
🗣️ COMMUNICATIONS — Communications, which might seem like an odd choice, given the clear business-oriented angle of the other entries here. It’s not all that strange when you stop to consider what a degree in communications involves, though. An understanding of media and popular culture can be integral in working out how guests are going to engage with your event. While the oratorical side of this degree can help you plan out some downright ground-breaking presentations.
🌎 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION — Running an event can be a logistical nightmare—which is precisely why a degree in business administration is so valuable for a budding event planner. Learning business administration will teach you how to better manage a team, while equipping you with the necessary skills to handle the logistical challenges of event planning. And again, it’s a solid degree program as far as job security is concerned—even if your event planning career falls through, you’ll have little difficulty landing yourself a job elsewhere.
Hope this was helpful Abby
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Dr. H. How can we expect students to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.
Doc Frick
Well said, Doctor Frick! The real test of knowledge isn’t just in receiving but in giving—because the greatest joy isn’t in what we get, but in what we share.
Dr H
Thank You Zaroon. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Abby,
It's true, most events would involve evenings and weekends. Maybe try places that do corporate team building events? Some might go into the evening, but most are done during normal working hours. Another idea would be children's birthday parties.
A business degree would be a good idea. If you want to switch careers, you can fall back on that. Or, if you decide to start your own business you have the knowledge. Or maybe a career in teaching? You could still use your skills in organizing and decorating your classroom.
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
https://www.circlerranch.org/meetings-team-building
https://m.yelp.com/search?cflt=teambuilding&find_loc=Flower+Mound%2C+TX
It's true, most events would involve evenings and weekends. Maybe try places that do corporate team building events? Some might go into the evening, but most are done during normal working hours. Another idea would be children's birthday parties.
A business degree would be a good idea. If you want to switch careers, you can fall back on that. Or, if you decide to start your own business you have the knowledge. Or maybe a career in teaching? You could still use your skills in organizing and decorating your classroom.
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
YOUSUF JAMIL
Freelancer
2
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
YOUSUF’s Answer
That makes perfect sense! You're thinking ahead, and that's fantastic. If you love event planning but want a more stable 9-5 job in the future, there are degrees and careers that use your event planning skills and offer more traditional work hours.
### **Degree Options:**
1. **Business Management** – A flexible choice that’s great for event planning and also suits stable roles like HR, project management, or office management.
2. **Marketing or Public Relations** – Enhances your event promotion skills and can lead to roles in corporate marketing, brand management, or PR.
3. **Hospitality Management** – Perfect for event planning and opens doors to corporate event coordination, hotel management, or tourism.
4. **Communications** – Builds skills for event planning and can lead to corporate communications, training, or media roles.
5. **Project Management** – Directly ties to event planning and is valuable for structured office jobs in many industries.
### **Career Paths with More Stability Later:**
- **Corporate Event Planner** – Many companies have teams that plan events during regular business hours.
- **Project Manager** – Uses your event planning skills in a corporate setting like IT, marketing, or business operations.
- **HR or Training Coordinator** – Involves organizing company events, training sessions, and programs.
- **Marketing Manager** – Focuses on brand events, sponsorships, and campaigns with a structured schedule.
- **Venue Manager** – Manages event spaces with a more predictable routine.
### **Degree Options:**
1. **Business Management** – A flexible choice that’s great for event planning and also suits stable roles like HR, project management, or office management.
2. **Marketing or Public Relations** – Enhances your event promotion skills and can lead to roles in corporate marketing, brand management, or PR.
3. **Hospitality Management** – Perfect for event planning and opens doors to corporate event coordination, hotel management, or tourism.
4. **Communications** – Builds skills for event planning and can lead to corporate communications, training, or media roles.
5. **Project Management** – Directly ties to event planning and is valuable for structured office jobs in many industries.
### **Career Paths with More Stability Later:**
- **Corporate Event Planner** – Many companies have teams that plan events during regular business hours.
- **Project Manager** – Uses your event planning skills in a corporate setting like IT, marketing, or business operations.
- **HR or Training Coordinator** – Involves organizing company events, training sessions, and programs.
- **Marketing Manager** – Focuses on brand events, sponsorships, and campaigns with a structured schedule.
- **Venue Manager** – Manages event spaces with a more predictable routine.
Jackeline Bogan
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Jackeline’s Answer
No need to choose a completely different major if you study well. Business Administration + additional certificates can give you both paths: events and stable jobs. Instead of worrying too much about the future, build a solid foundation of management skills, marketing geometry dash lite , and organize these skills to be transferable across multiple industries.
David Barcelona
Guest Lecturer
25
Answers
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
David’s Answer
You haven't indicated your age but I would assume you are 20+. Here is my two-cents worth.
It’s smart to think ahead about balancing your career goals with future family life—kudos for planning with intention! Here’s how to align your love for event planning with a flexible, stable long-term path:
Degrees That Offer Flexibility
Business Management (with a focus on Event/Project Management)
Why? Combines event planning skills (logistics, budgeting, vendor management) with broader business strategy.
Future pivot: Transition to corporate roles like Project Manager , Operations Coordinator , or Corporate Event Planner (often 9-5, benefits-driven).
Communications or Public Relations
Why? Hones storytelling, client relations, and crisis management—skills critical for events and corporate communications.
Future pivot: Shift to Internal Communications Specialist , PR Manager , or Brand Strategist (structured hours, remote-friendly).
Hospitality/Tourism Management
Why? Builds expertise in event logistics, guest experience, and venue operations.
Future pivot: Move into Hotel/Resort Management , Convention Sales , or Corporate Travel Coordination (predictable schedules).
Human Resources (HR)
Why? Uses organizational skills from event planning (scheduling, conflict resolution, coordination).
Future pivot: Roles like HR Generalist , Employee Experience Coordinator , or Training Specialist (stable, family-friendly hours).
How to “Test” Event Planning First
Start with entry-level event roles (e.g., assistant planner, venue coordinator) to gain experience while pursuing a degree.
Network with planners who’ve transitioned to corporate roles—ask how they balanced flexibility and stability.
Transferable Skills to Highlight
Logistics mastery (scheduling, budgeting, multitasking).
Client/vendor relationship-building → translates to corporate stakeholder management.
Calm under pressure → a trait valued in any fast-paced role.
Pro Tip for Your Age (hopefully I was correct that you are in your 20+ years)
Now’s the time to lean into event planning’s dynamic environment—it’s easier to handle unpredictable hours before kids. Later, you can pivot to a related 9-5 role using the expertise and network you’ve built. A degree in Business Management or Communications gives you the best of both worlds: immediate relevance to events and long-term versatility.
You’ve got this! Flexibility is about crafting a career that grows with you, not against you.
It’s smart to think ahead about balancing your career goals with future family life—kudos for planning with intention! Here’s how to align your love for event planning with a flexible, stable long-term path:
Degrees That Offer Flexibility
Business Management (with a focus on Event/Project Management)
Why? Combines event planning skills (logistics, budgeting, vendor management) with broader business strategy.
Future pivot: Transition to corporate roles like Project Manager , Operations Coordinator , or Corporate Event Planner (often 9-5, benefits-driven).
Communications or Public Relations
Why? Hones storytelling, client relations, and crisis management—skills critical for events and corporate communications.
Future pivot: Shift to Internal Communications Specialist , PR Manager , or Brand Strategist (structured hours, remote-friendly).
Hospitality/Tourism Management
Why? Builds expertise in event logistics, guest experience, and venue operations.
Future pivot: Move into Hotel/Resort Management , Convention Sales , or Corporate Travel Coordination (predictable schedules).
Human Resources (HR)
Why? Uses organizational skills from event planning (scheduling, conflict resolution, coordination).
Future pivot: Roles like HR Generalist , Employee Experience Coordinator , or Training Specialist (stable, family-friendly hours).
How to “Test” Event Planning First
Start with entry-level event roles (e.g., assistant planner, venue coordinator) to gain experience while pursuing a degree.
Network with planners who’ve transitioned to corporate roles—ask how they balanced flexibility and stability.
Transferable Skills to Highlight
Logistics mastery (scheduling, budgeting, multitasking).
Client/vendor relationship-building → translates to corporate stakeholder management.
Calm under pressure → a trait valued in any fast-paced role.
Pro Tip for Your Age (hopefully I was correct that you are in your 20+ years)
Now’s the time to lean into event planning’s dynamic environment—it’s easier to handle unpredictable hours before kids. Later, you can pivot to a related 9-5 role using the expertise and network you’ve built. A degree in Business Management or Communications gives you the best of both worlds: immediate relevance to events and long-term versatility.
You’ve got this! Flexibility is about crafting a career that grows with you, not against you.
David Ludwick
CEO
69
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Abby,
That makes perfect sense! Event planning is an exciting career, but you’re absolutely right to consider how the demanding schedule might conflict with family life later on. The good news is that event planning builds skills that are highly transferable to other fields, especially within business and management.
**Transferable Skills from Event Planning:**
- Project management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Client relations and customer service
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Communication and negotiation
- Vendor and team coordination
These skills can translate well into more stable 9–5 roles down the road. Here’s a strategic way to approach it:
**Degree Options That Support Both Event Planning and Future Career Flexibility:**
1. **Business Management** – Strong foundation for both event planning and future leadership roles (e.g., operations manager, project manager).
2. **Hospitality Management** – Relevant to event planning and can lead to stable hotel or corporate roles with regular hours.
3. **Marketing** – Useful for promoting events, and it transitions well into corporate marketing, brand management, or social media roles.
4. **Public Relations (PR)** – Overlaps with event planning through organizing media events and campaigns, but can also lead to a stable career in corporate communications.
5. **Communications** – Covers the client and stakeholder management side of event planning and leads to careers in corporate communication or consulting.
6. **Project Management** – Similar to event planning but with broader career opportunities in industries like healthcare, tech, and government, which often have more predictable schedules.
**Example Career Transition:**
1. Start as an **event planner** → Develop expertise in logistics, budgeting, and coordination.
2. Transition into a **corporate events coordinator** (which tends to have more stable hours).
3. Leverage your project management and budgeting skills to shift into a **project manager** or **operations manager** role.
By choosing a degree in business, marketing, or communications, you keep your options open while still gaining the skills to succeed in event planning early on. This way, you’re building a career foundation that can grow and adapt as your lifestyle changes.
-Start your career in **event planning** while you’re young and flexible with your schedule.
Gain experience and develop a strong professional network.
After a few years, transition into a more stable 9–5 role that builds on your skills—such as **corporate event coordinator**, **project manager**, **marketing manager**, or **client relations manager**.
That makes perfect sense! Event planning is an exciting career, but you’re absolutely right to consider how the demanding schedule might conflict with family life later on. The good news is that event planning builds skills that are highly transferable to other fields, especially within business and management.
**Transferable Skills from Event Planning:**
- Project management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Client relations and customer service
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Communication and negotiation
- Vendor and team coordination
These skills can translate well into more stable 9–5 roles down the road. Here’s a strategic way to approach it:
**Degree Options That Support Both Event Planning and Future Career Flexibility:**
1. **Business Management** – Strong foundation for both event planning and future leadership roles (e.g., operations manager, project manager).
2. **Hospitality Management** – Relevant to event planning and can lead to stable hotel or corporate roles with regular hours.
3. **Marketing** – Useful for promoting events, and it transitions well into corporate marketing, brand management, or social media roles.
4. **Public Relations (PR)** – Overlaps with event planning through organizing media events and campaigns, but can also lead to a stable career in corporate communications.
5. **Communications** – Covers the client and stakeholder management side of event planning and leads to careers in corporate communication or consulting.
6. **Project Management** – Similar to event planning but with broader career opportunities in industries like healthcare, tech, and government, which often have more predictable schedules.
**Example Career Transition:**
1. Start as an **event planner** → Develop expertise in logistics, budgeting, and coordination.
2. Transition into a **corporate events coordinator** (which tends to have more stable hours).
3. Leverage your project management and budgeting skills to shift into a **project manager** or **operations manager** role.
By choosing a degree in business, marketing, or communications, you keep your options open while still gaining the skills to succeed in event planning early on. This way, you’re building a career foundation that can grow and adapt as your lifestyle changes.
David recommends the following next steps:
Caroline Tomey
Senior Associate, Digital Transformation Consulting
15
Answers
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
I think it's so great that you're thinking so far ahead about balancing a passion with future stability - SMART! Instead of seeing it as an 'either-or' decision, think of it as a journey where your career evolves with your life. You can build a foundation in event planning while also keeping doors open for a more structured role later on. Here are a few creative approaches:
1. Hybrid Career Paths - you could start in event planning and transition into brand partnerships, corporate sponsorships, or vendor management, al of which still involve events but with more predictable hours
2. Industry Specific Planning - consider event planning with education, healthcare, or tech - sectors that tend to offer more 9-5 roles while still allowing you to organize events and experiences
3. Skills with Longevity - no matter what, develop skills like negotiation, budgeting, logistics, and communication - they will serve you in event planning and any future career shifts
4. Degree Strategy - a dual focus could be smart. A degree in business admin, strategic communications, or even digital marketing will complement event planning but also give you a solid backup plan
You don't have to choose between passion and stability. You can design a career that evolves with you instead! I would start gaining experience now, stay open to pivoting, and you'll create a path that fits your life at every stage.
1. Hybrid Career Paths - you could start in event planning and transition into brand partnerships, corporate sponsorships, or vendor management, al of which still involve events but with more predictable hours
2. Industry Specific Planning - consider event planning with education, healthcare, or tech - sectors that tend to offer more 9-5 roles while still allowing you to organize events and experiences
3. Skills with Longevity - no matter what, develop skills like negotiation, budgeting, logistics, and communication - they will serve you in event planning and any future career shifts
4. Degree Strategy - a dual focus could be smart. A degree in business admin, strategic communications, or even digital marketing will complement event planning but also give you a solid backup plan
You don't have to choose between passion and stability. You can design a career that evolves with you instead! I would start gaining experience now, stay open to pivoting, and you'll create a path that fits your life at every stage.
Natasha P
Engineering Leader
4
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hi Abby!
It's great that you're trying to reconcile your passion for a demanding, time-flexible career with your future desire for a more predictable and family-friendly work schedule. I am replaying the question in my mind as below:
Current Desire: You're drawn to event planning, which often involves irregular hours (nights and weekends).
Future Aspiration: You anticipate wanting a more traditional 9-to-5 job to accommodate family life in the future.
The Conflict: The inherent nature of event planning clashes with the desired work-life balance for a future family.
The Need for a Solution: You need a strategy that allows you to pursue your current interest in event planning while simultaneously preparing for a career transition that offers more stable hours.
Here are 3 strategies that you might want to explore:
1. The "Experience Now, Transition Later" Approach:
What it means: You'll dive headfirst into event planning while you have the flexibility. This means nights, weekends, and all the hustle.
Why it works: You'll gain invaluable experience, build a strong portfolio, and learn the industry inside and out.
The pivot: When you're ready for a more stable life, you'll use the skills you've gained (project management, communication, organization, budgeting) and your strategic degree (like marketing or business) to transition into a 9-to-5 job in a related field. Think marketing manager, project manager, or corporate communications.
Key takeaway: You're using event planning as a stepping stone to a different, more predictable career.
2. The "Corporate Event Planning" Approach:
What it means: You'll stay in event planning, but you'll target jobs within large corporations or organizations.
Why it works: These roles often have more structured hours and a better work-life balance than freelance or agency event planning.
Key takeaway: You're finding a way to do what you love within a more stable environment.
3. The "Build and Exit" Approach (Entrepreneurial):
What it means: You'll start your own event planning business, build it up, and then either sell it or transition it to a more passive income stream.
Why it works: You'll have control over your time and income, and you'll have the potential for a big payoff when you exit.
Key takeaway: You're creating your own path to both passion and stability.
Across all these approaches:
You'll need a degree that offers transferable skills, like marketing, business, or communications.
You'll need to network and build connections.
You'll need to be flexible and adaptable.
Essentially, you're either using event planning as a launchpad for a different career, finding a more stable version of event planning, or creating a business that gives you long term flexibility.
Hope this helps breaking down the situation and planning something more sustainable for the future. Wish you luck! You've got this!
It's great that you're trying to reconcile your passion for a demanding, time-flexible career with your future desire for a more predictable and family-friendly work schedule. I am replaying the question in my mind as below:
Current Desire: You're drawn to event planning, which often involves irregular hours (nights and weekends).
Future Aspiration: You anticipate wanting a more traditional 9-to-5 job to accommodate family life in the future.
The Conflict: The inherent nature of event planning clashes with the desired work-life balance for a future family.
The Need for a Solution: You need a strategy that allows you to pursue your current interest in event planning while simultaneously preparing for a career transition that offers more stable hours.
Here are 3 strategies that you might want to explore:
1. The "Experience Now, Transition Later" Approach:
What it means: You'll dive headfirst into event planning while you have the flexibility. This means nights, weekends, and all the hustle.
Why it works: You'll gain invaluable experience, build a strong portfolio, and learn the industry inside and out.
The pivot: When you're ready for a more stable life, you'll use the skills you've gained (project management, communication, organization, budgeting) and your strategic degree (like marketing or business) to transition into a 9-to-5 job in a related field. Think marketing manager, project manager, or corporate communications.
Key takeaway: You're using event planning as a stepping stone to a different, more predictable career.
2. The "Corporate Event Planning" Approach:
What it means: You'll stay in event planning, but you'll target jobs within large corporations or organizations.
Why it works: These roles often have more structured hours and a better work-life balance than freelance or agency event planning.
Key takeaway: You're finding a way to do what you love within a more stable environment.
3. The "Build and Exit" Approach (Entrepreneurial):
What it means: You'll start your own event planning business, build it up, and then either sell it or transition it to a more passive income stream.
Why it works: You'll have control over your time and income, and you'll have the potential for a big payoff when you exit.
Key takeaway: You're creating your own path to both passion and stability.
Across all these approaches:
You'll need a degree that offers transferable skills, like marketing, business, or communications.
You'll need to network and build connections.
You'll need to be flexible and adaptable.
Essentially, you're either using event planning as a launchpad for a different career, finding a more stable version of event planning, or creating a business that gives you long term flexibility.
Hope this helps breaking down the situation and planning something more sustainable for the future. Wish you luck! You've got this!
Lindsay Jack
Event Director
7
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Marketing or Public Relations. There are a ton of roles in those areas that plan client events, advertising and promotional events, etc. If you find something in a large company/corporate world it won't be a lot of nights and weekends because they want to do the events during business hours or immediately following. Virtually no weekends. Good luck!!
Michelle Brewer
Executive Assistant
2
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
1. Start by Gaining Experience
Volunteer: Start by volunteering at local events, like weddings, conferences, fundraisers, or parties. This gives you hands-on experience and a feel for what the job involves.
Internships: Look for internships with established event planning companies to learn the ropes.
Help Friends & Family: Plan smaller events, like birthday parties or community gatherings, to build your portfolio.
2. Develop Key Skills
Organization: You’ll need to keep track of multiple tasks, deadlines, and budgets. Learn how to stay on top of details.
Communication: Event planning involves coordinating with vendors, clients, and venues. Effective communication is key.
Problem-Solving: Things don't always go according to plan. Developing a quick-thinking mindset and the ability to adapt will set you apart.
Time Management: This job often involves juggling many tasks at once, so learning to prioritize and manage time effectively is crucial.
3. Get Educated
Courses & Certifications: Consider taking formal event planning courses, either online or at a local college. There are certifications available, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), which can boost your credibility.
Stay Updated: Trends in event planning change frequently. Stay current by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and networking with other planners.
4. Build a Network
Vendors & Suppliers: Establish relationships with vendors (caterers, florists, photographers, venues, etc.). A strong network helps you find the right partners and gives you options for your clients.
Clients: Word of mouth is powerful in event planning. Start building a reputation by delivering exceptional service and asking satisfied clients for referrals or testimonials.
5. Focus on Branding & Marketing
Create a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of events you’ve planned. Include photos, client testimonials, and detailed descriptions of the services you provided.
Online Presence: Build a website and leverage social media platforms to showcase your work. Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are great places to reach potential clients.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional groups (like Meeting Professionals International), and connect with potential clients.
6. Be Flexible and Adaptable
Every event is different, and you’ll often have to adjust plans on the fly. Whether it’s dealing with last-minute changes, unexpected weather, or unforeseen technical issues, flexibility is key.
7. Learn to Manage a Budget
Financial management is crucial. Learn how to work within a client’s budget, negotiate with vendors, and make sure everything stays on track financially.
8. Start Small & Scale Up
Begin with smaller events to build confidence, refine your processes, and gradually take on larger projects. Eventually, you can scale your business and handle more complex events.
9. Consider Starting Your Own Business
If you're entrepreneurial, you can eventually start your own event planning business. However, building a client base and establishing a reputation can take time, so make sure you have a solid business plan in place.
10. Stay Passionate and Enjoy the Process
Event planning can be stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Keep your passion alive by focusing on the joy that comes with creating memorable experiences for others.
By gaining experience, continuously learning, and building a solid network, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful event planner!
Volunteer: Start by volunteering at local events, like weddings, conferences, fundraisers, or parties. This gives you hands-on experience and a feel for what the job involves.
Internships: Look for internships with established event planning companies to learn the ropes.
Help Friends & Family: Plan smaller events, like birthday parties or community gatherings, to build your portfolio.
2. Develop Key Skills
Organization: You’ll need to keep track of multiple tasks, deadlines, and budgets. Learn how to stay on top of details.
Communication: Event planning involves coordinating with vendors, clients, and venues. Effective communication is key.
Problem-Solving: Things don't always go according to plan. Developing a quick-thinking mindset and the ability to adapt will set you apart.
Time Management: This job often involves juggling many tasks at once, so learning to prioritize and manage time effectively is crucial.
3. Get Educated
Courses & Certifications: Consider taking formal event planning courses, either online or at a local college. There are certifications available, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), which can boost your credibility.
Stay Updated: Trends in event planning change frequently. Stay current by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and networking with other planners.
4. Build a Network
Vendors & Suppliers: Establish relationships with vendors (caterers, florists, photographers, venues, etc.). A strong network helps you find the right partners and gives you options for your clients.
Clients: Word of mouth is powerful in event planning. Start building a reputation by delivering exceptional service and asking satisfied clients for referrals or testimonials.
5. Focus on Branding & Marketing
Create a Portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio of events you’ve planned. Include photos, client testimonials, and detailed descriptions of the services you provided.
Online Presence: Build a website and leverage social media platforms to showcase your work. Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are great places to reach potential clients.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional groups (like Meeting Professionals International), and connect with potential clients.
6. Be Flexible and Adaptable
Every event is different, and you’ll often have to adjust plans on the fly. Whether it’s dealing with last-minute changes, unexpected weather, or unforeseen technical issues, flexibility is key.
7. Learn to Manage a Budget
Financial management is crucial. Learn how to work within a client’s budget, negotiate with vendors, and make sure everything stays on track financially.
8. Start Small & Scale Up
Begin with smaller events to build confidence, refine your processes, and gradually take on larger projects. Eventually, you can scale your business and handle more complex events.
9. Consider Starting Your Own Business
If you're entrepreneurial, you can eventually start your own event planning business. However, building a client base and establishing a reputation can take time, so make sure you have a solid business plan in place.
10. Stay Passionate and Enjoy the Process
Event planning can be stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Keep your passion alive by focusing on the joy that comes with creating memorable experiences for others.
By gaining experience, continuously learning, and building a solid network, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful event planner!
Jessica Marx
Experience Leader
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Abby,
Everything else mentioned here is excellent advice. I wanted to offer my opinion from my corporate event planning experience. I wish I had started my career at a hotel or catering company to better understand the hospitality side of events. Yes, it's more nights and weekends but you can gain so much knowledge in a short period of time.
On the corporate side, meaning working for a large company that has its own events department, there are a lot less nights and weekends, generally speaking. There is some travel, some nights, but mostly events and conferences take place during the workday. This has been a great way to balance passion for events, career, and family. Hope this helps!
Everything else mentioned here is excellent advice. I wanted to offer my opinion from my corporate event planning experience. I wish I had started my career at a hotel or catering company to better understand the hospitality side of events. Yes, it's more nights and weekends but you can gain so much knowledge in a short period of time.
On the corporate side, meaning working for a large company that has its own events department, there are a lot less nights and weekends, generally speaking. There is some travel, some nights, but mostly events and conferences take place during the workday. This has been a great way to balance passion for events, career, and family. Hope this helps!