I need a new adventure. Something to keep me entertained in the short term. I feel like all I have is work and school and stress. I’m thoroughly bored with life, and contemplating redirection. Yes, I realize I’ve only been at my job seven short months, but it lacks excitement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful company with great people, but I’m basically a glorified data entry person. I copy information from one place to another with minimal changes and analysis. I realize that as a recent graduate I can hardly expect a life-fulfilling career path, but I would like to put a little bit more of myself into what I do.
I’m creative, detail oriented, and analytical. I’m a problem solver who loves to be faced with new challenges. I believe my skill set would have me well suited to a career in event planning… but how does one start out in such a field without previous experience? I’m at a stage in my life where I actually have expenses and need to start saving money, so interning somewhere is out of the question. Should I just take a leap and start marketing myself as such? But would one want to hire someone without an abundance of previous experience? Sure, I’ve organized a few charitable events for Circle K; a cocktail party, a talent showcase, a food drive, a leaf raking campaign for seniors… but does that really qualify me to organize a larger scale event?
I would love to hear from anyone who has made a drastic career change, is currently pursuing their passions, or is employed in a similar field… any advice for the young go-getter?
You would be a fantastic event planner. Absolutely that type of job would fit you to a t. (or is it tee? It doesn't matter!)
ReplyDeleteKeep your lame-o boring job for now and start looking into this. I mean, my party planning knowledge comes exclusively from Rich Bride, Poor Bride and Party Mamas so I'm no help, but there's got to be lots of info out there. You can start by planning birthday parties, stags, reunions, etc. Try kijiji, you never know what putting an ad up on there might do. There are also lots of free or cheap websites where you can make a little site about what you offer and examples of what you have done. All it takes is a few jobs to get you going and get you a decent portfolio.
Perhaps you can assist someone who is already in the business as a part time thing on weekends? Just to get a feel for the business? Lots of possibilities here.
And hey, my wedding is tentatively planned for next fall/winter so if you want some 'practice' I could sure use it!
Keep your head up girl, you're extremely talented and very smart and the world is your oyster. Where the hell do these weird sayings come from anyways? Why would anyone want an oyster for their world and what exactly does a T fit too? These important questions will be on my mind all day.
It never hurts to try. Find out the legal side of it though. What sort of licensing you'll need, for example. See if you can take a small business course somewhere. Many community colleges/technical schools offer these. That will definitely amp the credentials up.
ReplyDeleteI still have a halfhearted hope of learning to drive and setting up a personal shopping business (not just fashion wise, but for elderly, disabled or people who need help).
Definitely see what you can find out about people in the business you want to go into. Try and talk to people. It sounds like you've already got some experience under your belt. Just because it's volunteer experience doesn't mean it's not qualifying.
I'm sure you'd be great at event planning. Give it a shot!
There are lots of colleges that offer online programs for event planning. You should check into that.
ReplyDeleteI think it's brave of you to take charge and want to change your career path. It's been something that I have been wanting to do for a long time but don't have the guts to do it. Especially after buying a house... changing careers is too scary at this time.
ReplyDeleteEm from Tinfoil Tiaras used to do event planning... as well as Justyna from Chichichic. J also started her own career as well. Those two ladies might be able to give you some good advice. I find networking & learning from others is always a valuable aspect of building a career.
Take care in whatever you choose to do.