Education, General Tips, Student Ambassador, Your Event Career
Why All Event Planners NEED Ongoing Education!
So, you’ve earned your event planning certification. Congrats! But your time as a student isn’t over yet! Today, QC Event School‘s Student Ambassador, Neena McConnell, reveals 3 critical reasons why ongoing event planner education is important for long-term success!
Neena is a QC graduate and professional wedding/event planner. As the proud owner of Wallflower Events & Designs, she specializes in event decor, floral design, and so much more!
The Importance of Event Planner Education
When I decided to become an event and wedding planner, I did a lot of research. At first, I’ll admit that I was torn. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to become professionally certified, or try to make it entirely on my own. In the end, I chose to get properly educated – and I’m pleased to say that it was the BEST direction that I could’ve ever made!
Why was I so torn about this in the beginning? You see, it’s technically not a requirement to get event planner education and certification. However, in my opinion, not doing so would be to set yourself up for failure. Getting professionally trained is both advantageous and strongly recommended by industry experts. Moreover, this invaluable foundation can take you further in your career, as it helps one better understand how the industry works.
It’ll positively impact your skill-set, client reach, income, and so much more! Plus, it’ll prepare you with the leadership, communication, and organizational skills needed to work in the industry. Not only will you attain success more quickly; your training will also help you avoid harmful mistakes, while equipping you with the knowledge to start your own business!
But The Learning Doesn’t Stop There!
You might think that once you’ve graduated from your event planner course, there’s no need for further schooling. But I’m here to tell you that this is NOT the case.
The event planning industry is constantly changing and ever-growing. Trends evolve quicker than they disappear. To stay on top of your game, you must continue your education, because there is always something new to discover! As I previously mentioned, it’s not a requirement to get an event planner education. However, there are certainly some downsides of choosing not to pursue proper training or continuing your education. These possible downsides include:
- Missed opportunities;
- Costly mistakes;
- Not booking the “ideal” client;
- Losing sight of current trends, etc.
Remember: the event planning industry is a competitive job market. By furthering your education and continuously improving your skills, you’ll constantly discover new ways to market your services, add new niches to your business, stay ahead of the competition, and advance in your career!
3 Reasons Why Ongoing Event Planner Education is Critical
1. Increased Salary/Rates
Repeat after me: “The more qualifications you earn, the higher your rates can be.”
This was a big selling point for me when I first broke out into the industry! In many career fields, it’s common for a professional to increase their service rates every 1-2 years. However, you can also increase your rates with each certification you add to your portfolio. Having valuable skills makes you and your business more attractive to prospective clients. By offering multiple services for each qualification you have, you can create a one-stop shop service for your clients. Furthermore, you can build a package that suits their specific needs and expectations.
2. Better Networking
Your event planner education will teach you how to market your business, and connect with other vendors and professionals in the industry. There are often online groups and platforms of subject-matter experts within your area. Keeping connected, up-to-date, and involved is essential if you want your name out there in the event planning world.
Plus, by working with other event professionals, keeping in touch, and getting your business on their preferred vendor/referral lists, you’re also improving your brand’s image and marketability!
3. Increased Personal Development
If you’re not satisfied with your current career or status of your business, continued event planner education may be the answer you’re looking for. Learning should be a lifelong process. In doing so, you create a more fulfilled lifestyle both in and outside of your career. As you continue to learn and broaden your mindset, you set and achieve new goals. In turn, this generates positive outcomes.
I read a quote the other day by Henry David Thoreau that read: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” With that in mind, my question to you is: “What’s standing in the way of you becoming all that you are meant to be?”
A Look Into My Own Ongoing Event Planner Education
The first industry-related program I ever enrolled in was the Event & Wedding Planning Course offered through QC Event School. However, before that, I’d also completed a Professional Floral Design Course at The Canadian Institute of Floral Design. I knew I wanted to break out in the event and wedding industry as quickly as I could. So, I made that possible by enrolling in multiple courses and learning as much as possible!
I chose to enroll with QC Event School because they allowed me to study at my own pace and offered guidance along the way. QC provides realistic case studies, tutoring, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and professionals. When you have a question or concern, you can bet that someone else has felt the same way and the answers ARE out there!
After graduating from the Event & Wedding Planning Course, I quickly followed up that training by taking QC’s Event Decor Course. At the time, I was unfamiliar with color theory and how to properly create a table setting. I knew both were something that I should learn, if I truly wanted to succeed as a professional planner. Since completing these two courses, I’ve eagerly decided to take my education a couple steps further by also enrolling in QC Event School’s:
Final Thoughts
Furthering my credentials, experience, and industry knowledge is incredibly important to me. I can stay on top of trends, better network myself and my business, and stand out as a brand within the industry.
Have YOU decided to take the plunge and continue your education? Do you have a reason of your own to add to the list? As always, I encourage you to leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts! And remember, you can also connect with me directly in QC’s free Virtual Classroom on Facebook. Thank you for reading and following along!
Thanks for writing this Neena! Love the information!!