NYIAD Wedding and Event Planning Instructor Sandra Serrant has been an Events Professional for over a decade. She has planned, coordinated and executed a variety of events ranging from multi-day national conferences and fundraisers to large weddings, galas and other social events.
She has worked with such organizations as the National Football League and American Diabetes Association; and has also served as the Head of Events for renowned international Chef Jose Andres, as well as planned events for Wolfgang Puck Catering. In addition to her many national events here in the U.S, she continues to plan events abroad. Check out Sandra’s latest blog post about the events industry. Enjoy!
1. It’s Creative. Are you the creative type, searching to see what to be when you grow up (even if you’re already an adult. Lol)? Do you like to see what you envision in your mind come to fruition? If so, this is a great career for you. That fabulous gala or wedding that you visualized is now taking place right before your eyes…and you’re in charge of it! The non-profit where you used to volunteer has now hired you to plan their largest fundraising event.
2. Cool Job. Event planning is not the stationary type of job that will keep you tied to a desk day in and day out. Each day will be different, bringing with it new adventures and new challenges. What’s cooler than that? No boredom! Your time will be spent doing site visits, touring vendor showrooms, doing research for client proposals, meeting with prospective clients, and of course setting up your events.
3. Location, smocation. Work from your local coffee shop, library, park bench or better yet your kitchen table. This is a career that you can do from anywhere in the world. Have laptop, cellphone, notebook and pen…will travel!
4. Industry Growth. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Event Planning employment will grow by about 10,000 in the next 10 years. That’s a lot of opportunity!
5. Variety is the spice of life. As a Planner you can work at event venues, hotels, event/wedding planning companies, non-profit organizations, sports teams, fortune 500 corporations, and so many more places. You can also choose to freelance. Whatever works best for you!
6. Easy Switch. Event Planning is one of easiest industries to break into. There are many ways to get started in the business. You can start as a volunteer on a specific event, work part-time for a company, or take the plunge and start your own company (after getting some experience of course).
7. It’s Global. Many companies recognize the need to meet face to face with their employees and Clients, regardless of where they are located. This career gives you the opportunity to not only plan events in your own city/town, but also across the US and internationally.
Want to learn more? Learn how to become an event planner with NYIAD’s online event planning courses. Request your free course catalog today!
