DO LEVEL SIX EVENT MANAGEMENT STUDENTS OR GRADUATES FEEL THEY HAVE THE SKILLS NEEDED TO ENTER THE EVENTS INDUSTRY?

Abstract

The event industry is constantly expanding and there is an increasing demand for event managers in the UK, therefore it is important that students and graduates have the skills and knowledge that is required for the industry. Many higher education institutes offer the events management course, therefore it is important that they are all equipping students with the appropriate skills and knowledge that the industry demands. The main aim of this study is to identify the skills and knowledge needed as a level six student or graduate to work within the Events Management Industry. After researching the skills and knowledge needed, it will be established if the level six students or graduates feel they have acquired these attributes whilst studying at university. Available literature was reviewed on the skills and knowledge that is needed to work within the events Industry and how higher education institutes prepare students for employability. The primary research for the study was accomplished by distributing self-administered questionnaires to all level six students and graduates, studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University. 50 students were asked to answer the questionnaire about the skills and knowledge they feel they have gained whilst studying at university. The participants were asked about the skills they felt were important for the industry, and if the students felt the university had supported them with employability. The study found that 32 level six students and one graduate at Cardiff Metropolitan University felt that the top three skills needed for events management were communication, organisational and team work skills. It was concluded that students gained the skills needed for events management though studying at the Higher Education Institute and through work experience. Overall, Students confirmed that they do feel they have the sufficient skills and knowledge to apply for an events management position.