If you're one of those naturally well organized types you might have wondered if you could use your talent for organization in some productive way that would earn you a livelihood. Not that being organized in your own home or office isn't productive but people rarely pay you to put on well planned barbecues or keep your office in tidy shape. The interesting thing is that if you become a certified meeting planner you just might have the option to use your skills in a professional manner and make a living from it. Becoming a certified meeting planner takes some preparation but if you tend to be a planner and organizer you should have a head start. As a CMP you will likely work to organize meetings, conferences and other types of events for companies or non-profits. Your first task will be making sure the entire event goes as much according to plan as possible and you will likely work with other service providers such as caterers to make sure everything goes smoothly. To become a Certified Meeting Planner requires taking an exam administered under the governance of the CIC (Convention Industry Council). There is no special course or training to become a CMP; instead the exam expects you to have considerably knowledge of the event planning industry and practice gleaned from experience. If you would like to prepare for a career as a CMP and are looking for an education track a degree in the field of hospitality would align to some extent with the activities of an event or convention planner. There are study groups affiliated with MPI, an event industry organization, you can join to help prepare for the exam although it is also possible to study on your own. Your decision may depend on your learning style and whether you want the support or interaction of a group setting or prefer solitude in study. For folks you are not MPI members there is a fee of about two hundred dollars for joining a study group. This may seem a bit steep but it is reputed to be the case that folks who have been part of a study group typically do better on the exam than those who go it alone. Regardless whether you decide to go the route of getting your certified meeting planner credential or not hopefully you are able to find a excellent way to earn a living from your planning and organizational expertise. |
