What can you do with a Event Management degree from Iowa State University?

First, some facts. Of the Event Management graduates from Iowa State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 23 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Event Management graduates from Iowa State University have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 58%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 8% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Event Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Event Management graduate from Iowa State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 68%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Event Management. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Special Events Intern
Mary Kay Inc.
May 2018 - Dec 2018
The Special Events Intern role at Mary Kay Inc. directly relates to the skills and knowledge acquired in Event Management, as it involves assisting in the planning and execution of events.

Event Coordinator
Fauxcades Creative Event Design
Jan 2019 - May 2019
As an Event Coordinator at Fauxcades Creative Event Design, this position requires the specific event planning skills and knowledge acquired through the Bachelor's degree in Event Management on a daily basis.

Senior Stylist
Stitch Fix
Jan 2019 - Aug 2021
The role of Senior Stylist at Stitch Fix does not utilize skills or knowledge related to Event Management, focusing instead on fashion styling without direct relevance to event coordination.

Associate Event Producer
Mary Kay Global
Jan 2020 - Present
The Associate Event Producer position at Mary Kay Global directly applies the event management principles learned in the Bachelor's program, requiring event planning and production expertise regularly.

ABOUT

Hello! I'm [NAME REMOVED], a young professional with Event Management and Production experience. As a professional, I've had experiences at a range of organizations; where I have been exposed to event logistics, on-site production, creating content, and project management. I'm driven and ambitious, who knows how to get things done, especially during high stress situations.Skilled at corporate functions, small meetings, event strategy, run of show and agendas, on-site logistics, asset creation, script writing, stakeholder management, organization, and written communication. Outside of my 9-5, I enjoy traveling, attending other events (i.e. concerts, sporting events, pop-ups, etc.) and conferences, and spending time with friends and family.Who I am: A energetic extrovert that loves meeting new people, a leader, a go-getter, and a loyal teammate.

What jobs can you get with a Event Management degree from Iowa State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


From my analysis of the job history of Iowa State University graduates in Event Management, it seems like there are a few common themes emerging. Many graduates have landed roles as Event Coordinators or Managers, working directly in the event planning field. Positions like Event Manager at various venues highlight the practical use of their degree, as these jobs consistently require the skills learned during their studies. However, a good chunk of graduates have also ventured into roles that stray pretty far from the Event Management core. For instance, many have taken positions in risk management, administrative support, or analytical roles, which don’t necessarily align with their training.

Overall, while there are certainly relevant positions that allow graduates to apply their event planning skills effectively, a noticeable number seem to veer off into areas that don’t really relate to what they studied. Some roles make use of organizational and communication skills that overlap with event management, but in essence, they don’t directly tie back to the core elements of the degree. So, while it's awesome that graduates have found jobs and used some useful skills, it’s clear that there's a mixed bag when it comes to truly relevant positions in the field of Event Management.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Event Management graduates (this is across all Event Management graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Iowa State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Event Management graduates from Iowa State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Alumni from Iowa State University's Event Management program have shown varying career paths after graduation, but many have successfully secured positions relevant to their degree, especially in the events and hospitality sectors. For their first jobs, graduates often start with roles like Event Coordinators or internships at organizations that focus on hospitality, catering, or event planning. Over the years, it's common to see these individuals progress into more senior roles, like Event Managers and Directors, in similar fields. As they gain experience, many transition to management roles, overseeing larger events or teams, or pivot towards related areas like marketing and development within the non-profit or athletic sectors.

Taking a look at the longer-term trajectories, around five to ten years post-graduation, many former students are in leadership positions, such as Associate Directors or Managers in Event Planning and Development. Some have even made significant career strides into areas like risk management and data analysis, showcasing versatility in their skill sets—like the graduates who moved into roles at Casey's or Tulane University Athletics. While there are a few who have ventured far from pure event management, such as those entering real estate or administrative roles, the overall trend suggests that a degree in Event Management from Iowa State University offers a solid foundation for building a successful career in various related fields, particularly event planning and coordination. So, if you're passionate about organizing events, this might just be the path for you!

How hard is a Event Management degree from Iowa State University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, whether at Iowa State University or elsewhere, tends to be on the more manageable side compared to some other majors. You'll definitely have your hands full with planning projects, working on group assignments, and maybe even internships, but the course load often involves hands-on learning and creativity, which can make it feel less like traditional studying. If you enjoy organizing, collaborating, and thinking on your feet, you might find it pretty enjoyable and not overly tough. Just keep up with assignments and stay organized, and you should be alright!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Event Management.

Do Event Management graduates from Iowa State University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Event Management grads from Iowa State, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to salaries. Some of them, especially those who graduated a little earlier, seem to have landed solid roles in risk management or higher-level event coordination, which usually pays pretty decently—Casey's is a big company! Others have taken internships and entry-level positions that likely pay less, like event coordination roles in smaller organizations or as assistants. Overall, while some have definitely climbed the ladder and are probably making a good living now, others are still in the early stages of their careers and might be earning a bit less, but hey, it’s all part of the journey, right?

What buzzwords do Event Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Event Management (this is across all Event Management graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Iowa State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Event Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Event Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Event Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management 75 16
University of Central Florida 61 24
Iowa State University 58 23