4 answers
Olive
Student
Cary, North Carolina
2
Questions
Updated
802 views
How did your communications degree help you build the professional network and brand presence needed to succeed in event planning, and what tools or platforms do you find most effective for reaching high-end clients?
I am a 12th grader from Cary NC. I plan to attend Elon University in the fall, majoring in communications. I am super excited and am in the process of exploring career paths I can persue with a communications degree.
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4 answers
Eddy Kroeze
Quality Management in an IT Business environment
5
Answers
Hengelo, Overijssel, Netherlands
Updated
Eddy’s Answer
Hi Olive,
Altough I do not have a degree on communications (apart from learn on the job) .... nor have event planning experience.
As platform you may find it usefull to signing up into LinkedIn. Here you can give in your interests and build a network with other professionals.
Success with your studies and future career.
Altough I do not have a degree on communications (apart from learn on the job) .... nor have event planning experience.
As platform you may find it usefull to signing up into LinkedIn. Here you can give in your interests and build a network with other professionals.
Success with your studies and future career.
Devetta M
Data Analyst
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Devetta’s Answer
Hi Olive,
I was in the hospitality field for over 20 years before I changed careers to technology. I started out by volunteering in my community as a teen with local events and then when I was in college, I applied for an unpaid internship at the local radio station that was very prominent in our city. There I learned a lot about what it took to create an event, dealing with multiple types of people (clients/audience) and meeting goals. While there I also made contacts and friendships that I still maintain today. I was able to grow that position to a fulltime job that grew into a job with a national syndicated radio show that put me in a space to interact with major companies that sponsored our events (Ford, American Express, State Farm, Proctor & Gamble, to name a few). Some of my colleagues did chose the path of creating their own companies and leverages those relationships, while I chose not to do that I was still fulfilled in my career. Along the way, I also volunteered for many non-profits and my church. The thing that will speak most for you as your grow your career is your work ethic , personality and integrity. As people come to learn you and see that you have a passion, willingness to learn and ability to remain calm under pressure, they will be more than happy to work with you and recommend you to others.
I would suggest to not so much focus on the higher-end clients at this point in your career, but keep that in mind that that is you goal client. Work on the basics (understanding time management, budgets, the planning process, marketing, deciphering what the client is really asking for). I think a great place to start would be looking into some of the fundraisers, community or volunteers events that your college or target high-end clients have coming up. If possible try to apply for an internship. This will give you more insight into their target audience and the expectations that have of events.
Another thing that you can do, is to reach out to event planners that are doing what you are desiring, look for upcoming conferences for event planning, hospitality and meeting planners. They normally have opportunities for volunteers to participate in portions of the conference, that way you can start supplement you classes with hands on learning and trends. Hotels are also a great resource, their hospitality department works with a lot of meeting planners, conference planners, organizations that use their meeting space. You could check out their websites to see upcoming conferences and apply for temporary work or reach out to the organization directly for volunteer/work opportunities. When I did destination events, we would use temporary workers and volunteers from the local college, referrals and direct inquires.
I know this is a lot to digest, but I hope it helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Wishing you all the best in your future career.
I was in the hospitality field for over 20 years before I changed careers to technology. I started out by volunteering in my community as a teen with local events and then when I was in college, I applied for an unpaid internship at the local radio station that was very prominent in our city. There I learned a lot about what it took to create an event, dealing with multiple types of people (clients/audience) and meeting goals. While there I also made contacts and friendships that I still maintain today. I was able to grow that position to a fulltime job that grew into a job with a national syndicated radio show that put me in a space to interact with major companies that sponsored our events (Ford, American Express, State Farm, Proctor & Gamble, to name a few). Some of my colleagues did chose the path of creating their own companies and leverages those relationships, while I chose not to do that I was still fulfilled in my career. Along the way, I also volunteered for many non-profits and my church. The thing that will speak most for you as your grow your career is your work ethic , personality and integrity. As people come to learn you and see that you have a passion, willingness to learn and ability to remain calm under pressure, they will be more than happy to work with you and recommend you to others.
I would suggest to not so much focus on the higher-end clients at this point in your career, but keep that in mind that that is you goal client. Work on the basics (understanding time management, budgets, the planning process, marketing, deciphering what the client is really asking for). I think a great place to start would be looking into some of the fundraisers, community or volunteers events that your college or target high-end clients have coming up. If possible try to apply for an internship. This will give you more insight into their target audience and the expectations that have of events.
Another thing that you can do, is to reach out to event planners that are doing what you are desiring, look for upcoming conferences for event planning, hospitality and meeting planners. They normally have opportunities for volunteers to participate in portions of the conference, that way you can start supplement you classes with hands on learning and trends. Hotels are also a great resource, their hospitality department works with a lot of meeting planners, conference planners, organizations that use their meeting space. You could check out their websites to see upcoming conferences and apply for temporary work or reach out to the organization directly for volunteer/work opportunities. When I did destination events, we would use temporary workers and volunteers from the local college, referrals and direct inquires.
I know this is a lot to digest, but I hope it helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Wishing you all the best in your future career.
Valerie C
Communications and Community Impact
3
Answers
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Hi Olive,
I majored in Music and minored in Communications, and like most students, I found that every university experience is unique.
I’m someone who learns best by doing, so I made the most of my internships and summer jobs that allowed me to explore different areas within the communications field. I intentionally sought out a variety of experiences—one internship was with a TV station (ABC), while another was with a nonprofit. That’s where I discovered that nonprofit work offered the most hands-on experience and the chance to build strong connections.
Working at a PR agency is another great way to gain exposure, grow your network, and sharpen your skills early in your career.
As a student, I highly recommend setting up informational interviews with professionals in roles that interest you. These conversations are a great way to learn about different career paths and start building your network.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
I majored in Music and minored in Communications, and like most students, I found that every university experience is unique.
I’m someone who learns best by doing, so I made the most of my internships and summer jobs that allowed me to explore different areas within the communications field. I intentionally sought out a variety of experiences—one internship was with a TV station (ABC), while another was with a nonprofit. That’s where I discovered that nonprofit work offered the most hands-on experience and the chance to build strong connections.
Working at a PR agency is another great way to gain exposure, grow your network, and sharpen your skills early in your career.
As a student, I highly recommend setting up informational interviews with professionals in roles that interest you. These conversations are a great way to learn about different career paths and start building your network.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Carley Jova
Resource Management
2
Answers
Brick, New Jersey
Updated
Carley’s Answer
I recommend getting your hands in as many things as possible, volunteer early on in your college career, get involved in a club, explore different internship roles and opportunities. This will build confidence and give you the skills to succeed. Also, network, network, network! Having a good online/LinkedIn presence is important.
When I was in college, I volunteered for a non-profit where I wore many hats. I helped maintained donor and grant databases, contributed to research projects, coordinated with volunteers, and helped plan events. I ended up interning with the same company the following school year in a social media role. This gave me so much experience and confidence when I was applying to full-time positions.
When I was in college, I volunteered for a non-profit where I wore many hats. I helped maintained donor and grant databases, contributed to research projects, coordinated with volunteers, and helped plan events. I ended up interning with the same company the following school year in a social media role. This gave me so much experience and confidence when I was applying to full-time positions.