Today, we’re chatting with Kori Carter of Kori Elizabeth Events in Boston, MA.  Kori has her dream job planning weddings and other special occasions and is featured in my new book, How’d You Score That Gig?. 

Alex:  Describe some of the day-to-day activities of your job. 

Kori:  Some of my time is spent marketing my own business, and working with clients to plan and execute events including weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. I am also a sales and event manager for a high-end boutique catering company in Boston. I enjoy working on different projects with multiple clients and aiming toward a specific goal. Event planning is both innovative and creative and logical and planned.  

Alex:  How did you get your first paid position? 

Kori:  When I was in second grade I had a lemonade stand – not just any stand but a yellow wooden one with brightly striped curtains.  Under my supervision, my friends sold lemonade, cookies, and candy to tourists coming out to the country to pick apples. From that point on, I was always on the hunt for an entrepreneurial challenge. 

Alex:  What's one piece of advice you'd give to recent college grads that aspire to become event planners?

Kori:  The best advice I can give for those wanting to be an event planner is to work for a hotel or catering company as a banquet server or on the wait staff. Catering is the backbone of how an event flows, and the most successful event planners have a strong catering background.

Also, network with people within the planning industry to get your foot in the door, and explore creative options where event planners may be needed, such as historic properties, non-profit groups, academic organizations, design companies, destination management companies, and convention bureaus.