Event management jobs for high school students?

I'm a high school student interested in event management. Are there entry-level jobs or opportunities that I can explore while still in school? What kind of skills or experiences should I be looking to acquire?

Absolutely, it's great that you're showing initiative and an interest in event management so early. Here are a few ideas of entry-level jobs and opportunities that you might explore:

1. Event Planning Assistant: Some event management companies hire high school students as assistants to help with organizing and coordinating events. This can give you firsthand experience in logistics, vendor management, and customer service.

2. Volunteer at Local Events: Many local events like charity runs, festivals, and community fairs require volunteers for execution. Participating in these can provide you an understanding of how events are run and allow you to network with professionals in the field.

3. Part-time Roles in Hospitality: Jobs at venues like hotels, banquet halls, or restaurants often expose you to event operations and customer service.

4. School Club Officer: If your school has clubs related to event planning, consider joining or taking on a leadership role. If such a club doesn't exist, consider starting one!

5. Internship: Look for internships with event management companies. Though these may be unpaid, the experience you will gain can be invaluable.

In terms of skills, some important ones for this field include organizational skills (as you'll often be juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities), problem-solving skills (to deal with any issues that arise during an event), and strong communication skills (as you'll be working with diverse groups of people). In addition, creativity and a keen attention to detail often come in handy when planning events.

In terms of getting these skills and experiences, taking relevant courses in school (like business courses, leadership programs) or online could help. Additionally, gaining experiences through volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, or club participation can also be incredibly beneficial to hone these skills. Remember to keep track of your experiences and skills learned, as they will form solid talking points in your future interviews and applications. Good luck!