jobs requiring travel
Oct 30th, 2005, 10:09 PM
#21
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I have a degree in Journalism (they called it that in my day) and I worked for many years in PR and I traveled a lot. My degree had an emphasis on PR so that helped. My daughter now has a degree in Communications and she is in PR for a large very pretigious hotel chain and she travels a lot to their various properties. It is hard work and long hours but she is young and energetic and loves it. I would try to get into some PR type job (even if for very little pay) before graduating from college as you definitely have some experience and an in when you graduate. The Journalism School at my University helped us find jobs in our field while in college and it was very beneficial. Good Luck!!
Oct 31st, 2005, 04:46 AM
#23
travelgirl--the Marriott GM's habits sound very familiar, but all the GMs I know (in major hotels) work the same hours...it's a 60 hour a week job at least. My DH is GM of a 650 room hotel. M-F he is at his desk by 7 and doesn't leave before 6:45 in the evening, and only that early because he has a 1/2 hr drive home now. He goes in for 3 hours more on Saturday when, as he puts it, the phones are quiet and he can get a lot done. His last hotel, 430 rooms, where we lived in, it was 7-7:15 M-F and a half day Saturday as well. He has 5 or 6 weeks vacation and I doubt he takes 3, simply because there is "never a good time" to get away. Leaving for 3 weeks at one time? Never!! And while he doesn't feel his staff has to do the same, if they have a major function in their dept, they probably should plan their vacation so they will not be away then!!
He loves what he does, really loves it, and what more can you ask for in a job!! It is never dull, fabulous tales come from his days at work as you might imagine, every day is different and a challenge, plus the pay is outstanding by this level...with some pretty nice perks...cars and all expenses associated with them, including gas, maintenance and ins, free rooms at any hotels stateside and often abroad as well and if not free there, then heavily discounted. We do travel, but never for long blocks of time. Even then he's not far away mentally--voice mail is checked daily as long as we are in the country! At the same time the job was demanding, he always made time for the kids--Indian Guide and Indian Princess with them, and I doubt he ever missed a soccer game. He's high energy...ready to go even when he gets home from a long day so I don't feel any of us have suffered because of his hours. It's really been a terrific career from all our perspectives. I have always felt it didn't much matter what he did...he could be a trash collector and he'd still be working the hours he does. There are people who do that no matter the job, but this one does make demands on time. If you have a big client in the hotel, and that client has a function, you are going to have your presence felt.
His company loves moving their GMs around, more so than Marriott. We can expect to move every 4 years but it was less so getting to this level, and during the economic down turn, there was no movement at all. With few hotels opening and some closing, there was no domino effect to send us off to new digs (happily). If I could change one aspect of his job, it would be the moves. Although exciting at one point in our lives, I no longer am keen on picking up and re-establishing myself all over again, making new friends, finding my way around a new city etc. That has gotten old along with me.
It does take a special person to be successful...I could never in the wide world do it...oh the things I would say!! LOL
He loves what he does, really loves it, and what more can you ask for in a job!! It is never dull, fabulous tales come from his days at work as you might imagine, every day is different and a challenge, plus the pay is outstanding by this level...with some pretty nice perks...cars and all expenses associated with them, including gas, maintenance and ins, free rooms at any hotels stateside and often abroad as well and if not free there, then heavily discounted. We do travel, but never for long blocks of time. Even then he's not far away mentally--voice mail is checked daily as long as we are in the country! At the same time the job was demanding, he always made time for the kids--Indian Guide and Indian Princess with them, and I doubt he ever missed a soccer game. He's high energy...ready to go even when he gets home from a long day so I don't feel any of us have suffered because of his hours. It's really been a terrific career from all our perspectives. I have always felt it didn't much matter what he did...he could be a trash collector and he'd still be working the hours he does. There are people who do that no matter the job, but this one does make demands on time. If you have a big client in the hotel, and that client has a function, you are going to have your presence felt.
His company loves moving their GMs around, more so than Marriott. We can expect to move every 4 years but it was less so getting to this level, and during the economic down turn, there was no movement at all. With few hotels opening and some closing, there was no domino effect to send us off to new digs (happily). If I could change one aspect of his job, it would be the moves. Although exciting at one point in our lives, I no longer am keen on picking up and re-establishing myself all over again, making new friends, finding my way around a new city etc. That has gotten old along with me.
It does take a special person to be successful...I could never in the wide world do it...oh the things I would say!! LOL
Oct 31st, 2005, 05:40 AM
#24
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cb-
I doubled my major at Purdue with Marketing and Public Relations. Little did I know until my last semester of my Senior Year that Purdue actually has a hospitality degree! There are a few schools around that have degrees in Meeting Planning - I know of one in PA.
All that I can tell you about my background is that I always loved projects - even in college i used to wonder what kind of job can I get that I can sit down and do "projects" all the time. Well, this fits the bill.
I can't offer any advice about a Masters vs. going out into the "real world" and getting a job - but, I can offer a few things regarding getting your foot into the door of event planning.
#1 - www.mpiweb.org - I can't stress how great this organization is, and the website. They have chapters all over the country in just about every city. You can go to meetings, hear others talk about their jobs and how they got started, work their booths during events to get exposure with experienced people in the industry. They also have a job board - it's kind of trickey to find - look at the bottom left hand corner of the web page.
#2 go to monster.com or hotjobs.com and enter "meeting planner" or "events" in the search line. Don't pick a geographic location - this way you will see all of the jobs out there. I recommend doing this because then you can see all of the different jobs out there, including asst's, etc...
#3 Contact the local Convention & Visitors Bureau - they hire people all of the time for conventions and events going on that need on-site assistance. This is not going to pay alot but it will give you some exposure and experience.
#4 Be a "go getter" - I can't tell you how many people that I work with when I freelance that stick to the walls and take direction only. Of course, as a "newbie" you can't offer alot of advice, but always stand up and ask "what can I do next" and ALWAYS ask how to do something if you don't know how or haven't been given specific instruction. (good) Meeting Planners know exactly how they want things done - if they are in charge of the group they have done alot of work to figure out how things are going to be done - don't assume you know.
Being bi-lingual is excellent! It opens up oppty's to travel throughout the world with groups. I have had to refuse jobs because I am not - one of my biggest regrets.
Hope all of this helps.
I doubled my major at Purdue with Marketing and Public Relations. Little did I know until my last semester of my Senior Year that Purdue actually has a hospitality degree! There are a few schools around that have degrees in Meeting Planning - I know of one in PA.
All that I can tell you about my background is that I always loved projects - even in college i used to wonder what kind of job can I get that I can sit down and do "projects" all the time. Well, this fits the bill.
I can't offer any advice about a Masters vs. going out into the "real world" and getting a job - but, I can offer a few things regarding getting your foot into the door of event planning.
#1 - www.mpiweb.org - I can't stress how great this organization is, and the website. They have chapters all over the country in just about every city. You can go to meetings, hear others talk about their jobs and how they got started, work their booths during events to get exposure with experienced people in the industry. They also have a job board - it's kind of trickey to find - look at the bottom left hand corner of the web page.
#2 go to monster.com or hotjobs.com and enter "meeting planner" or "events" in the search line. Don't pick a geographic location - this way you will see all of the jobs out there. I recommend doing this because then you can see all of the different jobs out there, including asst's, etc...
#3 Contact the local Convention & Visitors Bureau - they hire people all of the time for conventions and events going on that need on-site assistance. This is not going to pay alot but it will give you some exposure and experience.
#4 Be a "go getter" - I can't tell you how many people that I work with when I freelance that stick to the walls and take direction only. Of course, as a "newbie" you can't offer alot of advice, but always stand up and ask "what can I do next" and ALWAYS ask how to do something if you don't know how or haven't been given specific instruction. (good) Meeting Planners know exactly how they want things done - if they are in charge of the group they have done alot of work to figure out how things are going to be done - don't assume you know.
Being bi-lingual is excellent! It opens up oppty's to travel throughout the world with groups. I have had to refuse jobs because I am not - one of my biggest regrets.
Hope all of this helps.
Oct 31st, 2005, 05:57 AM
#25
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If you want loads of International travel then look for multinational organizations such as oil or consumer products companies. As you gain experience you can travel a great deal and perhaps have an expatriate assignment. But I'll echo the others in the fact that you need to first develop some skills and expertise in your chosen field before you'll be paid to take that experience elsewhere.
Oct 31st, 2005, 07:01 AM
#26
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cfn, from a Director of Sales & Marketing perspective from a couple of hotels, MPI is only a great thing if you are a planner and not a supplier. I've belonged to MPI-VA, GaMPI, MPI-CC and tried to join the NYC branch due to it being my specific territory for a while. The common denominator in all is that planners look at suppliers like the necessary evil.
I've also been a member of several southeastern association executive associations (GSAE, SCSAE, VSAE, ASAE/National etc) and while it was a little better, still the planners get a little abused (the planners will pay for it!).
Also, one of my girlfriends got her MM in Meeting Planning (is that the correct? Not CMP as she has that) from I think the University of Missouri? She was one of the first 200 people to obtain this.
OO-hotel business is great isn't it? I think the perks and the fact that it is different every single day makes up for the downsides.
I've also been a member of several southeastern association executive associations (GSAE, SCSAE, VSAE, ASAE/National etc) and while it was a little better, still the planners get a little abused (the planners will pay for it!).
Also, one of my girlfriends got her MM in Meeting Planning (is that the correct? Not CMP as she has that) from I think the University of Missouri? She was one of the first 200 people to obtain this.
OO-hotel business is great isn't it? I think the perks and the fact that it is different every single day makes up for the downsides.
Oct 31st, 2005, 07:05 AM
#27
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I think the advice to visit your school's career center is something worth noting.
They can match your interests up far better to your grades and educational focus than those of us only know half the story.
10 years ago, the obvious choice would have been the airline industry. But, now not so much.
BTW, if you're really intent on enjoying the travel business, make sure you understand the differentiation between that and traveling for business. Getting into another field where you will travel is a very, very different thing.
Trust me, as exciting as business travel sounds, anyone who has done it can tell you the unpleasant realities.
They can match your interests up far better to your grades and educational focus than those of us only know half the story.
10 years ago, the obvious choice would have been the airline industry. But, now not so much.
BTW, if you're really intent on enjoying the travel business, make sure you understand the differentiation between that and traveling for business. Getting into another field where you will travel is a very, very different thing.
Trust me, as exciting as business travel sounds, anyone who has done it can tell you the unpleasant realities.
Oct 31st, 2005, 08:17 AM
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cb,
Didn't notice the MBA question you had until now. There is no answer that fits everyone.
But, having work experience and an MBA in most cases makes one more valueable than simply an MBA with only internships. But, again depends on the person and their area of interest.
If your daughter's intention is to get into a top 20 business school and then head into a top consulting or Wall Street firm, 99% of the time they'd like to see 3 years, at least, or real world experience unless you are a certified genius.
Didn't notice the MBA question you had until now. There is no answer that fits everyone.
But, having work experience and an MBA in most cases makes one more valueable than simply an MBA with only internships. But, again depends on the person and their area of interest.
If your daughter's intention is to get into a top 20 business school and then head into a top consulting or Wall Street firm, 99% of the time they'd like to see 3 years, at least, or real world experience unless you are a certified genius.
Oct 31st, 2005, 08:39 AM
#32
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cfn, out of curiosity, does anyone become a meeting planner who hasn't first cut their teeth on the supply side of things?
I think anyone straight out of college will have a very tough time going into the planning business because almost all of the planning jobs are commission only.
My best friend who is a CMP and a DOS&M for a huge resort in the southeast is trying to jump sides now and get into the planning side of things.
With a Bachelor of Art in Hospitality Mngt, a CMP, and 15 years in the hotel business, she isn't getting anywhere.
Any jobs she is getting offered (Helms Briscoe and several others) are strictly commission posititions.
I think anyone straight out of college will have a very tough time going into the planning business because almost all of the planning jobs are commission only.
My best friend who is a CMP and a DOS&M for a huge resort in the southeast is trying to jump sides now and get into the planning side of things.
With a Bachelor of Art in Hospitality Mngt, a CMP, and 15 years in the hotel business, she isn't getting anywhere.
Any jobs she is getting offered (Helms Briscoe and several others) are strictly commission posititions.
Oct 31st, 2005, 08:43 AM
#33
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Heifer Project International, a nonprofit organization with main headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas but offices EVERYWHERE. My friend, who has a MBA, works in their corporate partnership department, and travels extensively. She just got back from Ireland and Amsterdam. She had several days in each location to be a tourist as well as her work duties. They have a website with career opportunities on it.
Oct 31st, 2005, 09:26 AM
#34
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GoT I'm up there with your friend. After spending many years with Marriott I did get fortunate and make the jump to event planning for non-profits in LA and Boston. Since moving back home to Charleston, I've tried to move over to the corporate side and with my degree and experience all I hear is "you're too qualified". As great of a city as Charleston is, the corporate event side is slim pickings...we need more conventions in this town to increase the job market for planners. I've had the same offers from HB and the like but am not big on commission work. I will say I have been fortunate to have landed some great contracts with Family Circle, Davis Cup, World Cup @ Kiawah and some other major sporting and entertainment events that have occurred but a corp event job is my goal.
If I wanted to be a wedding planner, I'd have no problem getting a job...but after working with brides on a limited basis in the hotels, NO WAY do I want to work with them as my full-time job...YIKES!!
Best wishes to your friend...I feel her pain.
If I wanted to be a wedding planner, I'd have no problem getting a job...but after working with brides on a limited basis in the hotels, NO WAY do I want to work with them as my full-time job...YIKES!!
Best wishes to your friend...I feel her pain.
Oct 31st, 2005, 09:53 AM
#35
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travelgirl, that was what I was wondering with cfn. It just simply doesn't seem to be that easy getting the great planning jobs.
cb, the jobs with the CVBs are usually entry level. If your daughter needs a job that pays, she'll have to go on the hotel side first.
Meeting planning jobs (the good ones) don't go to those with out a lot of experience. You can't get experience without experience.
I'm sure we know many of the same people since I'm in the Charleston area!
I do miss the hotel biz but I got so tired of traveling I got out.
I'm now in marketing for a golf course group and I'll be back on the road in February! Oh no!
cb, the jobs with the CVBs are usually entry level. If your daughter needs a job that pays, she'll have to go on the hotel side first.
Meeting planning jobs (the good ones) don't go to those with out a lot of experience. You can't get experience without experience.
I'm sure we know many of the same people since I'm in the Charleston area!
I do miss the hotel biz but I got so tired of traveling I got out.
I'm now in marketing for a golf course group and I'll be back on the road in February! Oh no!
Oct 31st, 2005, 10:41 AM
#36
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Go Travel,
A job that pays is certainly on top of her father's and my list!!! She's also in a sorority, so it seems like the $$'s are constantly flowing, and not in our direction! She's really too involved in school right now to think about paying jobs, but we like to keep reminding her that now is the time to start looking and researching. She does attend the college's career days, so at least that's something. Ohhhh, just the thought of her making money makes me smile.........
A job that pays is certainly on top of her father's and my list!!! She's also in a sorority, so it seems like the $$'s are constantly flowing, and not in our direction! She's really too involved in school right now to think about paying jobs, but we like to keep reminding her that now is the time to start looking and researching. She does attend the college's career days, so at least that's something. Ohhhh, just the thought of her making money makes me smile.........
Oct 31st, 2005, 11:22 AM
#38
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I have never had a commission job. I don't even understand how that would work. And I have NEVER planned weddings (my own was enough drama, thank you)
And I have NEVER worked for a hotel or the supply side of meetings.
Of course you have to have experience to get jobs planning in the corporate world - but there are alot out there. Especially out East (NJ is full of them).
My current billable hours are $60/per and I have three companies that I contract with, average 14 days a month.
I also have two clients who sign an annual contract for my services - I organize all of their events for the year. Each contract is approximately $30-35K each, plus expenses of course.
I should mention that one of my specialties is writing script and producing shows for National Conventions. I gained both of my clients by references who worked corporate with me on other shows. I manage and direct the show in addition to the other "usual" meeting planner responsibilites - hotel contract negotiations, Food & Beverage, overnight room management, vendor & sponsorship management, staffing, registration, a/v, etc....
I can see how starting with a hotel would be a great foot-in-the-door way to gain experience, but I have never worked in one. I have often thought that being a CSM (convention services manager) would be a great job for someone who is interested in planning.
Go-Travel:
"With a Bachelor of Art in Hospitality Mngt, a CMP, and 15 years in the hotel business, she isn't getting anywhere"
These are exactly my credentials - BA/BS PR/Mktg from Purdue, CMP, 15 years in Corporate Meetings & Events (well, not exactly - I have always worked corporate, not hotel).
Has she looked on monster or hotjobs? There are ALOT of jobs out there! I will say that I am very aggresive and resourceful looking for jobs and you really have to network. I have acquired contracts with 3 different companies from references from other meeting planners that i have met on other jobs.
I will say that I have been lucky enough to have kept relationships with every single boss I have ever had in my corporate experience and I constantly keep in contact with them and email them for references and ask them if they know of anyone who needs help.
I am not too proud to work. I will do day jobs that others might think are "below them", but once people see my professionalism and witness my experience it doesn't take long until they offer me bigger jobs at bigger rates.
Sorry if I sound like I'm "tooting my own horn" but I really love my work and recommend it to young people who are out there looking for a great job.
And I have NEVER worked for a hotel or the supply side of meetings.
Of course you have to have experience to get jobs planning in the corporate world - but there are alot out there. Especially out East (NJ is full of them).
My current billable hours are $60/per and I have three companies that I contract with, average 14 days a month.
I also have two clients who sign an annual contract for my services - I organize all of their events for the year. Each contract is approximately $30-35K each, plus expenses of course.
I should mention that one of my specialties is writing script and producing shows for National Conventions. I gained both of my clients by references who worked corporate with me on other shows. I manage and direct the show in addition to the other "usual" meeting planner responsibilites - hotel contract negotiations, Food & Beverage, overnight room management, vendor & sponsorship management, staffing, registration, a/v, etc....
I can see how starting with a hotel would be a great foot-in-the-door way to gain experience, but I have never worked in one. I have often thought that being a CSM (convention services manager) would be a great job for someone who is interested in planning.
Go-Travel:
"With a Bachelor of Art in Hospitality Mngt, a CMP, and 15 years in the hotel business, she isn't getting anywhere"
These are exactly my credentials - BA/BS PR/Mktg from Purdue, CMP, 15 years in Corporate Meetings & Events (well, not exactly - I have always worked corporate, not hotel).
Has she looked on monster or hotjobs? There are ALOT of jobs out there! I will say that I am very aggresive and resourceful looking for jobs and you really have to network. I have acquired contracts with 3 different companies from references from other meeting planners that i have met on other jobs.
I will say that I have been lucky enough to have kept relationships with every single boss I have ever had in my corporate experience and I constantly keep in contact with them and email them for references and ask them if they know of anyone who needs help.
I am not too proud to work. I will do day jobs that others might think are "below them", but once people see my professionalism and witness my experience it doesn't take long until they offer me bigger jobs at bigger rates.
Sorry if I sound like I'm "tooting my own horn" but I really love my work and recommend it to young people who are out there looking for a great job.
Oct 31st, 2005, 11:46 AM
#39
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cfntmpn, I'm like you in not being too proud to do any job. I'm actually right now on a contract with an entertainment mgt company doing a good deal of office work in preparation for one of the artist's album release and tour. Some times I feel like I'm doing grunt work but I remind myself, it's helping pay the bills plus I'm learning a lot about the behind the scenes of the music industry. Every job teaches us something if we're open to it.
So as not to hyjack this thread, any chance I could get your email as I have a few biz questions for you? Or if you'd prefer to email me at [email protected], I'd really appreciate it.
So as not to hyjack this thread, any chance I could get your email as I have a few biz questions for you? Or if you'd prefer to email me at [email protected], I'd really appreciate it.
Nov 1st, 2005, 05:08 AM
#40
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I didn't read every single response to this thread so I hope noone has already said this but have you looked into working for a tour company? They take travelers all over the world on escorted tours. The biggest companies that come to mind are Globus & Tauck.
