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Event internship vs event specialist

The differences between event interns and event specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an event internship and an event specialist. Additionally, an event specialist has an average salary of $41,294, which is higher than the $29,693 average annual salary of an event internship.

The top three skills for an event internship include customer service, event planning and event management. The most important skills for an event specialist are brand awareness, product preparation, and product demonstrations.

Event internship vs event specialist overview

Event InternshipEvent Specialist
Yearly salary$29,693$41,294
Hourly rate$14.28$19.85
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs52,91412,130
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an event internship do?

Events interns work directly with development staff to help event coordinators in event planning and promotion. They have varied responsibilities that include communicating with vendors to move event logistics, attending meetings of the planning committee as needed, and organizing and purchasing materials and supplies. A few skills are required for an events intern to accomplish these responsibilities, including being detail-oriented, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Having previous work experience is also an advantage.

What does an event specialist do?

Events specialists, also known as events producers or event planners, have many roles and responsibilities. They establish event concepts, select venues, secure sponsorships, and handle logistics for events. Also, they plan and manage event timelines, coordinate technical aspects, and manage risks. Event specialists are also responsible for communicating with vendors, organizing marketing materials, and liaising with event speakers. To become an event specialist, one should need to meet several qualifications that include having a degree in marketing, hospitality, or public relations. Organization skills and experience in project management are also important.

Event internship vs event specialist salary

Event interns and event specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Event InternshipEvent Specialist
Average salary$29,693$41,294
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $37,000Between $26,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityWakefield, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMaineNew York
Best paying companyIBMShearman & Sterling
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between event internship and event specialist education

There are a few differences between an event internship and an event specialist in terms of educational background:

Event InternshipEvent Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorCommunicationBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Event internship vs event specialist demographics

Here are the differences between event interns' and event specialists' demographics:

Event InternshipEvent Specialist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 23.7% Female, 76.3%Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between event internship and event specialist duties and responsibilities

Event internship example responsibilities.

  • Retrieve qualified leads through search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Manage RSVP lists, checked-in attendees at events, and insure guest satisfaction at all times.
  • Schedule events, and edit website using InDesign.
  • Compose and schedule social media Tweets/FB posts using Hootsuite.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors on behalf of clients to maximize ROI.
  • Launch highly successful programs and events that drive profitable ROI and global account acquisition.
  • Show more

Event specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage three key concierge brands with a high level of guest service and VIP attention.
  • Manage RSVP lists, checked-in attendees at events, and insure guest satisfaction at all times.
  • Build client pipeline by using SEO, Linkedin, Mattermarks, Angel.CO.
  • Establish streamline budget management process, enabling overall department to effectively tracking spending trend and ROI.
  • Post to Facebook and other media regarding up-coming event and/or event outcome.
  • Promote upcoming events and shows through marketing materials, emails and twitter.
  • Show more

Event internship vs event specialist skills

Common event internship skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Event Planning, 13%
  • Event Management, 9%
  • Events Intern, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Press Releases, 3%
Common event specialist skills
  • Brand Awareness, 51%
  • Product Preparation, 14%
  • Product Demonstrations, 5%
  • Food Preparation, 4%
  • Food Safety, 4%
  • Product Knowledge, 3%

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