Getting Started with a Career in Venue Management
Venue management is a career that encompasses many different things. Those in charge of a specific venue, whether it's a small theater, a large arena or something in between, must handle a variety of tasks. They are in charge of planning the events that will be held, staying within a set budget and even hiring people both on the stage and behind the scenes, in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
With so many things to handle, it's clear that someone who wants to work in venue management needs to have the right training to be successful. Want to know if you have what it takes? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Get a Degree in a Related Field
While there are plenty of degrees that can prepare someone for a job in venue management, such as business management, communications and even theatre, sometimes it's important to focus on a specific type of venue. For example, people who want to work for a sports venue could get a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. This program covers everything from sports law to media ethics, and it provides a solid foundation in everything that you need to work in the field. People who want to work in the arts, however, might want to get a degree in Arts and Entertainment Management, which teaches you about venue management, media law, marketing for live events and the business behind the biz.
Spend Time Interning
Internships are a great way to get experience in a specific field. Not only do they help students make the connections needed to get a job after graduation, but they also provide the chance to learn skills that can be listed on a resume. Students who want to get into venue management should find an internship at a specific venue or series of venues. If they want to work in a theatre, then choosing a local one will allow them to see how plays and musicals are chosen, how auditions are handled, and so on. The same is true for students who want to work for a sports venue. Stadiums always need interns to help get things done.
Gain Experience Over Summer Break
On top of interning, working for a venue over summer break is another good way to learn everything that there is to know about running a theatre or arena. Plus, it provides students with a good way to get to know the people who work behind the scenes. Whether you choose to work for the school's stadium or a professional venue, what matters is the experience that you’ll gain and the connections that you’ll make.
Network Whenever You Can
Networking is one key to getting a venue management job. This can be done in the classroom (since professors know quite a lot of people in the field), while interning and even while working over summer break. The more people that you know, the better when it comes to finding a job.
At Dean College, we’re all about building your connections. And as you can see, starting a career in venue management requires plenty of experience, from interning to working for a venue over summer break. The more that you know and the more people who you know, the better, since this field requires a lot of organizational skills, knowledge and budgeting skills. Venue management is a rewarding field that you’re sure to enjoy! Ready to take the first step? Request more information, today!