Im a sophomore and really interested in event management, so I’m planning on doing a lot of it for my school 11th + 12th grade (school functions, fundraisers, National Honors Society events). Summer before 12th grade, i’m going to interning with either a non profit org in their event planning dept. or a hotel in their management area. I also have this (kind of “quirky”) passion for thoroughly following coupon and marketing patterns. I have used this interest to run a successful online business of buying/reselling clothes. Overall, I have a huge passion for organizing/coordinating things and marketing/business. Would this look good on my application or look like im just another teen who wants to plan prom and make money off clothes?
At some point in time you will fill out your college applications and in some form or another they are going to want to know what YOU do outside of classroom time. They want to know about you, what interests you, what type of character are you showing etc. if you like event planning do it and be involved in it. When it comes time to tell your story you will be far more genuine than if you attempt to find something you think they might find compelling. They don’t accept ECs they accept people.
I think it sounds like a great EC! How many applications from event planners do you think colleges will see? I suspect very few! You will stand out. A genuine interest/passion is far more powerful than an activity done simply to check a box.
yes! This is a great way to show leadership!
There are 2 pluses for what you’re doing. First, its what you want to do. You’re not doing it because your parents forced you to or because your school required it. Second as others have said it shows initiative and leadership.
Let me point you to 2 articles by Cal Newport who is a CS professor and has written several books for students. The links are [How to Be Impressive](The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work - Cal Newport) and [Save This Grind?](Case Study: How Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind? - Cal Newport) I don’t buy into his underlying explanation of why they are impressive, but take a look at these 2 articles and I think you’ll get some ideas on how you can go farther with your interests.
My son ended up doing something very similar to event planning every summer in college, it definitely helped him get a couple of internships post college. He enjoyed the work and liked working both with people and with spreadsheets. He’s in a somewhat different field from what he expected, but I suspect he’s still using many of those skills.
I agree with others the best ECs are the ones that you want to do and help you develop the skills you want to have.
My D17 is a college sophomore. Just like @mathmom 's son, she did event planning/marketing for the committee she belongs to and that lead her to an internship for an event organization company.
Event organization requires multi-skills - organization, attention to detail but to be able to see the big picture, punctuality, leadership, communicate clearly with other people, etc. etc.
Good luck!