My World of Work

You are here

Home // My Career Options // Events manager

Events manager

Bookmark
Print and publishing, marketing and advertising
Support

Career outlook for events manager

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£21,000

Experienced

£40,000

Currently employed in Scotland

4,500

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would organise all sorts of promotional, business and social events. You’d make sure they run smoothly and that everyone who attends has a great time.

You would control the whole project and lead a team who will help with planning at the start to running the event on the day.

You would:

  • Discuss what the client wants
  • Come up with original ideas for events
  • Agree budgets and timescales with the client
  • Research venues, contacts and suppliers
  • Negotiate prices with suppliers and contractors
  • Book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
  • Hire and supervise contractors such as caterers and security
  • Publicise the event

You’d make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day and that health, safety and insurance regulations are followed.

You might specialise in organising particular types of event, such as

  • Parties and weddings
  • Exhibitions and conferences
  • Live cultural events
  • Music festivals
  • Product launches
  • Fundraising events

You’d need good people skills and be able to deal with lots of things at once. Being positive, enthusiastic and motivated will help you create special events that people remember.

Working conditions

Hours

You would generally work standard office hours, although as event dates get nearer you may work long and unsocial hours. You may also go to events in the evenings and at the weekend.

Environment

Most of your work would take place indoors. However, some events may be held outside.

Travel

You would have to travel to events and meetings. Some events may also involve overseas travel.

UK employment status

Full-time

63%

Part-time

28%

Self employed

9%

Create a qualification route

We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.

Discover my route

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Creative
  • Problem solving
  • Working with numbers
  • Researching
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Negotiating
  • Taking responsibility

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

Most events organisers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in subjects such as:

  • Event or Hospitality Management
  • Public Relations
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Media

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. 

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses)
  • Business management
  • Administrative subjects
  • ICT subjects
  • Maths
  • Social studies subjects such as media

Helpful to have

Most entrants have worked in related jobs in sales, marketing, customer service, hotel and catering or public relations.

Useful to have experience, even volunteering, in a related area.