Ideally, at some point in my life I would like to have a career in event planning. I decided this was what I wanted to do my sophomore year in college. Unfortunately, the University of Oregon does not have a major in event planning so I settled on public relations. What I have found interesting in my public relations courses is how many of my peers also want to pursue event planning. This is especially demonstrated by the fact that the PR Campaigns course this spring for the Senior Experience is going to be centered around event planning. I have chosen to stay in Eugene for my last term, but am disappointed that this type of opportunity is not available here.
The other thing I am disappointed in the School of Journalism and Communication, is that it does not encourage students to consider the University of Oregon Festival and Event Management program in addition to the public relations focus. I stumbled on this program by accident the summer before my junior year and decided to pursue my certificate immediately. The program offers a certificate program which requires you to attend workshops, take a ten week course, complete a project and do a practicum all centered around event planning. When I asked my advisor back sophomore year what my options were for event planning, this was never mentioned, which is a shame. I hope my public relations teachers learn about it so they can encourage their students who are passionate about event planning to look into this option. It would also be remarkable if teachers teamed with some of the lead lecturers and coordinators of the certificate program to present about event planning.
The other great thing as well, is that the program is run through the Continuing Education center which means even if teachers don’t reach their students until senior year, if they are staying in the Portland/Eugene area, they can still consider this option. Also, many of the workshops I have taken were full of people whose companies paid for them to go. It is all around a good stepping stone for University of Oregon students to get some knowledge of event management, even if they can’t major in it.
2 responses so far ↓
tiffanyderville // March 22, 2008 at 12:02 am
Kelsey,
Sending an e-mail to the PR faculty that has a positive tone would be a great way to ensure that this resource is publicized. I’ve tagged it on my del.icio.us page and will inform advisees about it who are interested in event planning.
Also, there are opportunities to participate in event planning with the Olympic trials we are hosting in Eugene. You can e-mail me for more information.
PRSSA is also a great place to get event planning experience.
In addition, you can volunteer for non-profit organizations and help them with events, such as March of the Dimes and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Feel free to come by my office to talk about opportunities in Eugene.
Tiffany
kbird735 // March 22, 2008 at 2:44 am
Tiffany,
Thank you for the advice. I have been lucky so far in college and have had many opportunities to help organize different events. However, it is not the lack of event opportunities (I believe if you want to be involved you can find ways) it rather is the lack of education. I know hands-on experience is the best way to learn, but getting some actual education is always helpful. I have learned an immense amount through the Festival and Event program.