What are the biggest challenges when looking for work in Marketing and Events?
Event marketing is an immersive and fast-paced field that can be both exciting and challenging, as a result, it’s also very rewarding. As with any industry, there are a number of challenges that job seekers in event marketing may face when looking for work.
Lack of experience: One of the biggest challenges for job seekers in event marketing is a lack of experience. Entry-level positions in the field are highly competitive, and many employers require candidates to have prior experience in event marketing or a related field. However, there are other ways to gain experience and showcase your skills such as internships, volunteering in events, or even planning your own events and including them in your resume.
Additionally, don’t forget the power of transferable skills! The individual skills sought after in events marketing can be gained in other fields. Try securing a general digital marketing role, perhaps in a company that has the opportunity to attend events, and get to work.
Networking: Event marketing is a relationship-based industry, and many jobs are not advertised publicly. Networking is key to making connections and learning about job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and use social media to connect with other professionals in the field.
LinkedIn is seen as one of the best professional platforms to help grow your connections, while in-person networking events, like The Marketing Meetup, give amazing opportunities to meet link-minded marketers in your local area, or further afield.
Competition: The event marketing field is competitive, and it can be difficult to stand out from other job candidates. To increase your chances of landing a job, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you're applying for, and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Diverse qualifications: Event marketing is a multifaceted field that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and qualifications. Employers may look for people with knowledge of marketing, project management, communications, and public relations. It's important to have a diverse set of qualifications to show that you're a well-rounded candidate with the skills needed to succeed in event marketing.
The more relevant experience and skills you have, the better. It can be good practice to write down a list of relevant skills and look for other jobs that allow you to build up those skills while you’re trying to reach the end goal of events marketer. There are loads of resources available online that can give you an advantage, such as learning Google Analytics via the Google Analytics Academy or finding highly-rated and relevant courses on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, but nothing will beat real-world experience and a lot of enthusiasm.
Keeping up with technology: Event marketing is rapidly changing with new technologies coming out every day. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, so you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
To overcome these challenges, job seekers can seek out professional development opportunities, such as attending industry events, taking courses or earning industry certifications. Additionally, building a personal brand and having a strong portfolio of work will increase the chances of landing a job in the competitive field of event marketing.
Remember, job searching can be a long and frustrating process but being persistent and staying positive is key. With the right skills, experience and attitude, you can land your dream job in the exciting field of event marketing.
