Thinking about a degree in event management? With the industry booming, it’s a smart question to ask. In this guide, we’ll explore whether formal education is worth it, what you can gain, and how it could boost your career.
What Is Event Management?
In order to plan an event, there has to be a robust system in place. This is why some of the most important aspects of organizing an event include responsibilities like:
- Planning and coordinating the event
- Managing the budget and allocating financial resources
- Communicating with vendors and suppliers
- Developing marketing strategies to promote the event
- Overseeing other teams to ensure everything is running smoothly
- Interacting with guests and providing good customer service
Given how planning an event is usually a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, there are numerous roles that contribute to the overall success of an event.
Do I Need a Degree To Work in Event Management?
Just like in other jobs, earning a degree can be a great way to showcase your skills and advance in your career. However, to be a top-tier Event Manager, you should also have years of hands-on experience working in the field.
Practical skills like managing a team and communicating with various stakeholders will teach you how to resolve problems, build your reputation and anticipate your client’s needs. While these important aspects might not be included in the degree program, they will be a great addition to your education credentials.
Career Opportunities in Event Management
Most Event Managers come from similar fields such as finance, public relations or marketing. They don’t necessarily require a degree to work in the event management sector but they possess transferable skills that can help them thrive in their new roles.
However, obtaining a degree in event management or a related field can provide a competitive edge. It offers structured learning, exposure to industry best practices, and opportunities for internships that provide practical experience. Plus, many employers prefer candidates to have formal education, especially for higher-level positions.
Common career progression in event management
If you’re a beginner, you should consider working towards the Event Coordinator role. This is typically considered an entry-level role because it involves handling basic responsibilities, such as managing inventory, ensuring the event runs smoothly and providing excellent customer service.
In this role, you also get to learn on the job from senior colleagues like Event Planners. To land a job as an Event Planner, you should demonstrate excellent planning and research skills as you will be in charge of setting up the project, finding vendors, managing the budget and assigning tasks to other staff members.
Event Planners usually report to Event Managers, who are higher in the chain of command. They have responsibilities that involve overseeing the entire logistics and ensuring the client is happy and that the event is a success.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Degree in Event Management
If you’re considering to get a degree in event management, you’ll benefit from:
- Learning in a structured manner
- Gaining access to the faculty’s resources
- Improving your knowledge of the best industry standards
- Developing valuable skills such as advertising and budgeting
- Networking with like-minded professionals in the field
- Improving your resume and adding more credibility
On the other hand, the downside of getting a degree might include:
- High cost
- Time-consuming schedule
- Several years of commitment
- The degree doesn’t guarantee you a job
- Changing industry standards that might quickly become outdated
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Event Management?
Your salary will largely depend on your experience and the industry you’re working in. Also, as you continue climbing the corporate ladder, your income will grow. For example, if you were to start off as an Event Coordinator, you would make $54,362 per year on average.
After you spend a couple of years in the role, you might qualify for a promotion. In your new role as an Event Planner, you can increase your median wage to $62,280 per year. Similarly, as you develop strong leadership skills, you will have no issue advancing to the role of an Event Manager and making $78,729 per year.
Top Event Management Programs in the United States
For those who are looking to start or build a career in event management, here are the best-rated top five schools in the country:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Studying in Las Vegas, known as Sin City for its many casinos and other gambling establishments, offers unlimited networking possibilities for students. On top of that, the University of Nevada offers a well-structured program that encompasses major topics in the industry, such as analyzing audiences, promoting sponsors and developing themes.
- University of Southern California – USC
Attending one of the best-ranked private universities in the U.S. comes with a lot of advantages. Situated in Los Angeles, with a rich cultural scene and a variety of venues, students have a unique opportunity to meet elite clients and work on some of the most exciting projects in the country.
- George Washington University
GWU is a private university in Washington, DC. It has an extensive event management curriculum as part of its bachelor’s programs of tourism. This is a good opportunity to consider because, during your studies, you will be exposed to corporate events in the capital.
- Boston University – Department Of Hospitality Administration
This program is perfect for anyone looking to improve their skills in hospitality. It includes crucial topics such as event design, tailored marketing strategies and other relevant event technology. Boston is also known as a business hub that offers great opportunities for networking.
- Simmons College – The Helen Gordon Davis Institute For Women’s Leadership
As a non-profit organization, Simmons College offers programs that encourage women to join entrepreneurship. They focus on building leadership and project management skills that are a crucial aspect of every senior event managing role.
- University of Central Florida (UCF) – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Offers comprehensive coursework covering risk management, marketing, finance, and logistics. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and have opportunities to learn from industry experts.
- University of Florida (UF) – Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
Equips students with skills in management, supervision, research methods, and more, preparing them for diverse career fields, including event management.
- New York University (NYU) – School of Professional Studies
Provides advanced education focusing on planning, managing, and promoting events across various industries globally. Flexible study options include online, on-site, or hybrid formats.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Event Management Program
When choosing the right degree, you want to make sure it’s offered by an established institution that has already schooled and trained successful Event Managers. This is important because the college’s reputation might play a decisive role in the client hiring you.
Also, it might be worthwhile to attend a course that will teach you the most important aspects of the job. If you’re already in the workforce and you want to advance, committing to a shorter degree program might be more beneficial for your career. That way, you’ll get to build your practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Lastly, focus on studying the field you’re passionate about. That way, you’ll always be motivated to learn more and innovate. For example, a good thing to do would be to learn about the differences between the various roles such as Event Director vs. Event Manager. This trait becomes crucial in the later stages of your career when you assume the role of Vice President of Events or Chief Event Officer.
FAQ
No degree can guarantee a job, but a degree in event management significantly boosts your chances. It equips you with structured knowledge, industry connections, and credibility, making you stand out in a competitive market.
Both are essential, but hands-on experience often holds more weight. A degree complements your practical skills by providing a solid theoretical foundation and opening doors to higher-level opportunities.
A degree showcases your commitment to the field and gives you access to networking opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs, setting you apart from those without formal education.
Yes, alternatives include certifications, workshops, or starting with entry-level roles like Event Coordinator. These paths can provide real-world experience and help you build a portfolio without the time and cost of a degree.
With a degree in event management, you can specialize in various niches, including weddings, corporate events, festivals, exhibitions, and non-profit fundraisers, tailoring your career to your passions.
Written by Lidija Misic
Lidija holds a BA in English Language and has lived in five different countries, where she has worked in various roles, including as a flight attendant, teacher, writer and recruiter. Her biggest passion is crafting great content and reading. She is particularly passionate about creating punchy copy that inspires people to make positive changes in their lives.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
