Meeting Planner & Event Manager

Kali A. "As an in-house meeting planner for a trade association, I am responsible for the three member meetings held annually in April, August, and December at various locations across the US. I manage all aspects of the meetings from pre-planning to on-site execution including: development of event budget, RFP creation and disbursement, site visit, venue selection, contract negotiation, marketing strategy and implementation, registration, shipping, food and beverage needs, audio/visual needs, auxiliary events, staffing coordination, and on-site logistics."

Education

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Required License(s) None required, but I have my CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and it certainly helped me get the job I have now.

Required Degree(s) Usually requires a college degree

Importance of GPA somewhat important

What do you need to do to maintain your license(s)?

You need to earn a certain amount of CEU (Continuing Education Credits) every 5 years to renew the CMP.

Kali's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree
Kali's College Major: Business Administration - Marketing
Kali's College GPA Range: 3.6 - 3.9

Salary

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The most recent salary survey said the average was around $75,000.

It varies greatly depending on location, amount of experience, management level, etc.

Getting the Job

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How did you get your job?

I interned for the American Volleyball Coaches Association in college where I was assigned to the events. I fell in love with planning, so I decided that's what I wanted to do. The AVCA hired me full time after college. After 3 years there, I got my current job with AI. Employers are very focused on experience in this field. Skip the extra degree and do an internship where you get real event experience.

How important was networking to landing your position?

Somewhat important. Lexington is a smaller city so people are bound to have someone in common.

Life on the Job

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What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

If I'm in the office, it's working at my desk answering emails, planning out event details, or on the phone with hotels or vendors. If it's an event week, we are on-site running everything. It's long hours but so much fun. If it's a site visit, I'm in a city alone touring hotels, restaurants, etc. Those are the most exciting since the local representatives show you the best the location has to offer!

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Very close

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

In my current position and at my specific company, no.

What is the best thing about your job?

Traveling around the country and touring locations I would not be able to visit personally. Also, getting to execute experiences for other people and seeing their reactions—it's very rewarding to see it all come together.

What is the worst thing about your job?

A lot of planners complain about long hours. My current position is very fair about hours. Actual event days are long, but those are only 3 weeks a year. This job does tend to put you in high-stress environments and forces you to make quick decisions on your feet.

How demanding is your job?

My specific job is good with managing time. They know we work hard when we have to, so they are flexible at other times (not all companies are like that). If time is a big issue for you (maybe you have a family), I would suggest trying to find a small company that really cares about their employees and values what's important. Again, there is some stress with this job, mostly on-site. But if you have a good team around you and can be decisive in stressful moments, it's not bad.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

It depends on the company, I would say. I'm a single planner here, but some companies have teams of planners. In that case, you could move up to manage a team. Otherwise, you may have to move companies to achieve a higher title or better pay.

Advice for You

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What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Thinking on your feet Excellent customer service Being able to hide your emotions/stresses to look put together in front of attendees—it can be a mess behind the scenes but the attendees need to think everything is running smoothly. Aggressiveness in negotiating Attention to detail Organization Excellent communication skills

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

If you want to do something that is unique and challenging, this is a great field. The benefits and perks FAR outweigh the stresses.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes

Follow Up

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Want to learn more? Check out Kali's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Virtual Assistant

Samara T. "A Virtual Assistant (VA) comes alongside people such as business owners and bloggers, who are needing help with administration tasks or the "extra" tasks they do not have time for. A VA will manage social media pages, write posts, network with prospective clients for the business, create images, schedule posts, respond to comments, engage readers, and viewers, or handle administration tasks. Their job is to relieve business owners and bloggers with these "extra" tasks, giving them time to focus on expanding, connecting with clients, viewers, or other businesses, and put their attention towards growing their business."

Education

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Required License(s) None

Required Degree(s) None

Importance of GPA not very important

Samara's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree
Samara's College Major: Events Coordination and Management
Samara's College GPA: 3.6-3.9

Salary

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There is no "typical" salary. It depends on you.

You can charge by the hour (typically $10-$25/hour depending on experience and tasks),  you can charge a fixed rate per month, or you can charge by task (e.g., per article or image), which would be considered contract work. 

Getting the Job

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How did you get your job?

I got my job by seeking out opportunity. I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I sought out the jobs on my own. I contacted bloggers who I knew were bigger and would likely need help, and presented what I could offer them. Over time, after contacting enough people, I found my first client. Finding my first client led to finding my second client because it gave me more experience. What got me started was the desire to do something and willingness to not give up, even when I was turned down more times than I was accepted. Being an Events Coordinator really helped with this position. You have to be organized, good with people, and be able to manage many tasks. As a Virtual Assistant, you are often working for more than one client and have to balance many tasks and accounts. You need to manage your time to fit them all in, in one day. My previous experience really helped me with this, and also gave me the confidence I needed to reach out to people and network.

How important was networking to landing your position?

Extremely! The way you get positions like this is by networking with other bloggers and business owners. The field of "Virtual Assistants" is still a growing industry. Many business owners do not even realize this is a thing. The only way that I have gained clients is by networking with bloggers and business owners.

Life on the Job

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What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

This one is a hard one to explain. This is one job that I do, but it is not my main job. Most afternoons I spend in cafes doing my VA work and my own blogging work. I usually spend time scheduling social media content, researching, creating posts, networking, and promoting the bloggers work on different platforms. It is an incredibly flexible job, as I can do it from anywhere and all I need is the internet. If I have a really busy day with other responsibilities then I will catch up on my VA work in the evening. I also do not need to do it every day (although I do for the most part). I can schedule things to happen on days but not actually do it that day (e.g., social media posts). There is no day that looks the same, which makes it a fun job.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

No, it does not. You do not have to be a woman to do this.

What is the best thing about your job?

It is flexible. I can do it from anywhere since all I need is the internet. I have also learned so many things, gained a lot of experience, and connected with some wonderful people.

What is the worst thing about your job?

You do not always have enough work, and have to seek out more opportunity yourself. It is not a typical 9-5 job where you show up and get paid whether or not the day was very busy. I do not mind this aspect of the job, but it can be unpredictable at times (at least until you are well established with a couple good, reliable clients).

How demanding is your job?

It is not very demanding, but does take time. It is important to take time and do the job well, but it is not a job that will keep you up at night. (At least it shouldn't.)

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Yes, I can advance, for example, by taking on more clients, establishing a business to help others find VA work, using my experience to connect bloggers/business owners with VAs, or training people who want to become a VA. At some point, I will definitely take the next step and expand this position. At this point, though, my focus is not fully my VA position because I am doing other things as well. When these other things end, I will take the next step, and further my career and position as a VA.

Advice for You

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What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Being organized, creative, attentive, willing to learn, sociable, knowledgeable in social media, and blogging, knowledgeable in a few social media platforms and scheduling tools, and determination to not give up.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Often times I hear people say, "Well, I am not experienced enough and don't know what I have to offer." My response is this: if you have/had a blog, even if it is new, you have something to offer. You know how social media works and have at least a basic understanding of at least one blogging platform. The most important part of this job is the willingness to learn and research when you do not know the answer. I am learning all the time (new things, new programs, better ways to do things, etc.). And when I don't know something, I spend time with my trusty friend Google to find others who do know.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes! If I could do it over again, I would pursue this first and would have skipped other things. Although those other positions in the past gave me more confidence to reach out to people and network effectively, I would have much rather started with this from the beginning.

Follow Up

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Want to learn more? Check out Samara's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Social Media Director & Events Coordinator

Emelia "I oversee the promotion of our salon and spa through social media and creating ads, images, and more that make people want to visit. I also coordinate the part of a bride's wedding day or someone's special event that takes place in the salon...including the schedule and chilling the champagne to making sure the day is flawless from start to finish."

Education

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Required License(s) None

Required Degree(s) High School Diploma

Importance of GPA not very important

Emelia's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts)
Emelia's College Major: Communication & Media Studies with a Minor in Psychology
Emelia's College GPA Range: 3.6-3.9

Salary

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$30,000 to $70,000

Salaries are typically consistent, but can vary by company. 

Getting the Job

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How did you get your job?

I started in a different role at our salon and spa, as our Front Desk Coordinator and worked my way up in to this position. I had previous experience in another career where I put on many events and promoted the business which helped me coming in to my current role. My part time blogging hobby has taught me so much about social media that I incorporate in my professional position daily.

How important was networking to landing your position?

It's always great to have a mentor and a handful of people who share the same ideas, visions and understand what you are doing on a daily basis. I think discussing opinions, struggles and meeting people in the same field can do nothing but help you.

Life on the Job

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What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

A typical day for me usually starts with e-mail. I review any incoming requests for events, or questions from brides or hosts of parties. While I'm reviewing e-mails, I'm also on social media seeing what is happening on our channels, along with checking out the competition. While we don't sale shop or put up discounts to compete with other businesses in our area, it's good to see what everyone is up to. I work on Excel sheets updating schedules for events making sure that the group is leaving the salon when they need to and that all our appointments are arranged so that the whole day runs smoothly. I may also be working on a promotion for an upcoming holiday, or taking a picture of some new jewelry that just came in from New York in our boutique to put on Instagram. I have a lot of hats to wear within my position, so staying organized with my to-do list is most important as I go about my day.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Very closely. My job description is a few pages long, but I love it. I'm a creative soul so I like working on many things at once. I enjoy big challenges, making things happen on a tight deadline and being busy.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

I think the industry I'm in helps me connect with the people I'm working with because they are mostly women.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is being a part of a special event in someone's life to make it memorable. Whether I'm hosting a 7 year old's birthday party or walking a bride out our front door I love making people feel great about themselves. I get to be part of their day from start to finish and beyond...when I share it on social media.

What is the worst thing about your job?

I never turn myself off. I wouldn't blame this on the job itself, rather the way my brain works. I get ideas, I become inspired... and I'm always curious.

How demanding is your job?

In terms of physical toughness, I wouldn't say my job is too demanding. Mentally, I'm always on. I can't help but check our social media sites in the evening at home and being on top of it all.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Not necessarily. I work for a small business (with less than 50 employees) as opposed to a large corporation, but the owner is very open to adding duties to my title as our business grows. I would love to see where this takes me next as social media evolves.

Advice for You

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What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Being organized, on top of the business, and very outgoing is extremely important in my position. I am always dealing with people, so I always need to be ready.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Look at it as an adventure. What can you do next? How can you make this next promotion, event, or advertisement better? Every day is different, so be ready for change, but enjoy the ride... it's such a fun one to be on.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes, I would never think that my previous positions would have led me here but they all have added to my skill set that I continue to use now.

Follow Up

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Want to learn more? Check out Emelia's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Assistant Manager, Education and Training Programs

Alanna "I work in Continuing Medical Education (CME). In layman's terms, I plan programs, live or online, to help physicians become certified and maintain their certification to practice medicine. I also work with medical trainees within my field to set them up with mentorship programs and encourage them to choose my field as their desired field of practice!"

Education

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Required License(s) You can get a certification as a "Certified Health Care Professional," this but only after you've been in the field at least 2 years. (I haven't become certified yet but plan to.)

Required Degree(s) bachelor's degree

Importance of GPA not very important

Alanna's Highest Degree: bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science)
Alanna's College Major: Health Administration
Alanna's College GPA Range: 3.1-3.5

Salary

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When I started off as a coordinator, I was making $40,000.

You can work your way up all the way to a director or VP in Education and/or Training. Your salary can only go up from there. Salaries are typically consistent from company to company however you have to understand that working in Medical Non-Profits pharmaceutical money really helps a lot. If you're working in a medical field with lots of pharma money (think oncology!) your company will have a lot more money to play with which might mean better salaries. 

Getting the Job

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How did you get your job?

For starting off as a coordinator, honestly nothing! It was an entry-level job. All you need to have is good multitasking abilities, great interpersonal skills, and a good sense of organization. I've worked off my experience from my coordinator position to get to be an Assistant Manager. Professional development meetings also help a lot!

How important was networking to landing your position?

Very! I networked with our members (the physicians), networked at professional development meetings, attended other sister society's meetings, and made some great connections through that. Networking helped significantly in snagging my current job. My first job co-sponsored a meeting with my current society and I was able to articulate the fact that I've worked with them previously, understood the way they plan and host meetings, and I even knew some of the same physicians that they work with.

Life on the Job

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What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

For my job, we work on timelines that range from 8-16 months, so a day before our annual meeting is much different than a day 5 months out from the meeting. That being said, I'm on email constantly. I sign into my email, respond to any that need immediate attention, and then work through the timelines and deadlines that need to be done. This often includes talking to our involved members on a planning team, scheduling and leading conference calls, monitoring our online databases that keep all of our Conflict of Interest information, updating our websites, or work on developing slides for presentations.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Probably 80% match. I would say there is a lot more space for innovation that the job description would lead you to believe. Things are always changing in medicine so we have to adjust and adapt with it.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

No. About 75% of people who work in CME are women! It's great.

What is the best thing about your job?

I'm a process-driven person and I love strategic planning. Both of these are HUGE in my job. There's constantly something to be planned, to be coordinated, and we have guidelines and rules that we need to adhere to. I love the challenge that brings to my job on a day-to-day basis.

What is the worst thing about your job?

Scheduling calls with time zones around the globe.

How demanding is your job?

The job can absolutely be demanding on your time especially if you are hosting a lot of out of town meetings where you'll need to travel. If you're good at managing priorities and deadlines, you'll be able to handle it though.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Totally! Like I said, before you can start off even as an administrative assistant in CME and work your way up all the way to a director or VP. I'm definitely taking the next steps. I'm actively working towards my promotion towards being a manager. I also want to get a CHCP certification.

Advice for You

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What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and communicate well. Being organized is a huge help.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

How did you learn about CME?! Just kidding. I would tell them to really be introspective about what is important to them. There are medical societies for everything and you'll love your job even more if it's something you're passionate about or have a personal connection with. Otherwise, get out there and start working. Doctors are really friendly people and they're great to work with!

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes.

Follow Up

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Want to learn more? Check out Alanna's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->