How can I make myself more marketable?

Question

I have a BA in Communications (just graduated in May), 6 years experience with catering weddings and corporate events, and I currently work as a travel agent (1 year). I would LOVE to get into event planning. I am mostly interested in planning corporate events, so I picture myself working for a big company planning their events (possibly even travel, too), or working for a big hotel as their event planner.

I am thinking of applying to a bunch of the larger corporations in my city, as well as hotels, but how can I make myself more marketable? I have the look and attitude. I think working as a travel agent right now helps, but what classes should I take at the local University? Marketing? Management? Hospitality?

What types of internships do you think would help if they were added to my resume?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Get in touch with people who already have a catering, or event organizing contract with these companies.  If you really are capable, hard working and willing to learn, it's possible one of them might need to take people on at an administrative level.  There are always gaps.  Make yourself known to people.  Keep making as many contacts as possible, and call them regularly,(at least monthly), to show them you are persistent and determined.  THAT gets respect from managers, whether their tone of voice shows it, or not.  I'm not sure there IS a university course in determination.  Learn to be (or keep on being) polite, but hard-nosed.  If someone gives you a definite NO, it only means "NO" this month.