Whether convention centres, independent event management companies or end-users within the private/public sectors – it continues to be a challenge in recruiting a student whether third year or qualified for the event management industry.
It is known that dependent on which tertiary institute a student has qualified – is a fair yard-stick for the incumbent being able to assist with:
(1) calculating a budget
(2) determining registration parameters
(3) assisting with the objectives
(4) methods of evaluating the outcomes.
However these student abilities to assist the employer are rare.
The 2nd Event Industry Summit outcomes made specific reference to the dismal abilities of students – rendering the majority as unemployable. With The MICE Academy attempting to garner academic consensus on industry definitions, it is clear that student curricula differs among the educators.
There is also the issue which begs the question as to whether hospitality, tourism and event management courses are perhaps inter-mingling which – in turn – implies that the event management student’s qualification is based on criteria for a different discipline. That is indeed a question worthy of a concise answer!
