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3 Ways to Screw up Event Planning Internships

December 3, 2014 By Andrew Maxwell 2 Comments

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a nerdy looking student with text: how to be the worst intern ever, referencing event planning internships

photo by collegecandy.com

An internship is a great way to learn about a profession, hands on. Quite often I get asked how to get into event planning. My advice is always networking and, for students, event planning internships. There are many types of jobs in event planning. From a student’s perspective, an event planning internship is an ideal way to get exposure as well as to make valuable industry connections. Naturally, as we gain experience, we tend to gravitate towards our strengths and which jobs utilize those skills.

In North America, there’s an ongoing debate regarding non-paid internships. My position has always been that internships are an ideal way to learn about a job, by being hands on.

It’s also no secret that, often, an event planning company will hire someone after his or her internship. So it’s vitally important that you treat your internship the same way you would conduct yourself in a job interview.

Event Planning Internships – 3 Don’ts

 

  1. hello my name is intern, referencing event planning  internships

    photo by collegerebellion.com

    Not Showing up/Coming in Late/Calling in Sick. Just because you’re not being paid does not mean that you can come and go as you please. Treat your internship as if you have been hired for the position. After all, you are trying to educate yourself about the industry.

  2. Knowing the Answer to Everything. Guess what? You don’t know all the answers. Or you wouldn’t be going to school to learn the answers. When you are asked for your input offer your suggestion, of course. But if you are fortunate enough to be included in an internal meeting, it’s best to keep quiet and learn from the experience.
  3. Treat Everyone Graciously. I have heard stories where some interns are very positive with their managers, yet forget that the people that they are working with, or “below”, are even more important. Quite often a manager will consult their team to get feedback about an intern. And don’t forget these are the same people that, if you’re hired, you’ll be working alongside. Don’t burn bridges.

Oh and Here’s a Bonus-Lose the Phones. Put your smart phones away. If you’re an event planning intern chances are you’ll be working in public spaces. People do not want to see you texting or talking on your smart phone. This doesn’t only apply to interns but to employees as well.

You may also be interested in these related articles:

  • Encouraging Words from a Young Event Planning Professional
  • From Summer to School, an Event Planning Student’s Journey
  • Salary Expectations for Event Planner Jobs

Event planning internships are a great way to learn about the industry. But it’s important to understand what the internship is all about – learning. If you take that approach, your chances of being offered quality jobs in event planning will increase. Your goal should be to make yourself stand out in a crowd.

 

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Related posts:

  1. The Ideal Internship
  2. Event Planning Jobs – Where to Start?
  3. Interview with Eved, the Market Leader in Event Commerce for Event Planning Companies
  4. Are Event Planning Standards Slipping?

Filed Under: Tools & Resources Tagged With: event planning company, event planning internship, event planning internships, how to get into event planning, jobs in event planning

About Andrew Maxwell

Andrew is an entrepreneur who focuses on customer service and is respected for his attention to detail. His hospitality career began in hotels, working his way through various food and beverage positions. From there he excelled in hotel operations, holding several managerial positions including Senior Operations Manager with Canada's largest hotel.

Andrew's financial acumen and his ability to develop and enhance his companies business strategies helped propel his full service destination management company (DMC) into one of the largest databases of online resources for the meetings and events industry in North America.

He has a well established online presence. By networking on the top social media platforms Andrew has developed a large, organic, following.

Trackbacks

  1. 3 Ways to Screw up Event Planning Internships |... says:
    December 4, 2014 at 10:17 am

    […] Event planning internships are a great way to learn about the industry. But it's important to understand what the internship is all about – learning.  […]

    Reply
  2. Paid Internships Versus Nonpaid Internships says:
    March 13, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    […] 3 Ways to Screw up Event Planning Internships […]

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