How do I work towards becoming a Director of Sales/Catering/Banquet Services?
Asked by sillygirl88
I am college student, and I've found my dream job and that is to plan large scale events. Now my major is Psychology and I'm doing a minor in management, so I feel I could put my degree to use in this position. However, I need to find a way to get myself into that catering/event planning environment and I can't decide which way would be best. Any suggestions?

Best Answer:
If you can get a job in the even planning department of a large hotel or a casino. If you can get on at a casino you will learn everything an event sales/planning staff would ever need to know anywhere. Vegas or Atlantic city are the largest but there are casinos all over the country - all of which hire at least a few people to work in this area. Prospecting, sales, planning, decor, food - everything. High demand and high stress but it can also be a lot of fun.
I used to work in a casino in MS.
Answered by rushevents

i have found, having worked in that industry for many years, that a lot of places like on the job training... if you have any restaurant or catering experience, thats a big plus... most of the places i've worked for hired from within, for example, people would start at the bottom and work their way to the top... but that shouldnt stop you from applying.. i think your best bet would be to try for an internship at a wedding hall or something of the sort, then you can get the experience you need to get hired somewhere...
Answered by Bella

Facilities management companies have a number of those positions that are at different levels of experience. Companies such as ARAMARk, Sodexo, Compass Group - there are a number of smaller ones but these are the big three. They basically manage facilities - generally food at colleges and Universities, hospitals, business and industry sector, school services. So there will be a team of people that will manage the cafeterias and catering services at those facilities. At the smaller schools for example there may only be one manager for the whole show, but at larger accounts there may be multiple managers and this could include more than one catering manager. So it is a good start as you could get an entry level catering job as well as a large support structure that has training tools available. Good luck
Answered by //////

Simple. Get in to a hotel and work your butt off with the maximum amount of consistent energy and enthusiasm you can muster. That will set you apart from the other lunkheads in the service industry. And give it a long-term commitment. Pending managements' acumen for spotting talent, how could they ignore you? Cheers
Answered by Richie S