Courtney Norton
Director of Special Events & Workforce
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Age: 28
High school: Little Rock Central High School
College: University of Arkansas
Major: Journalism with concentration in advertising/public relations and marketing

What’s the greatest thing about your industry; why should students consider it? It’s growing. Every company seems to be hiring event coordinators, from large Fortune 500 companies to hospitals and nonprofits… I had a pretty easy time finding the jobs [I’ve had] in the event planning/hospitality field.

What is your job in hospitality like? I coordinate and help with more than 80 events a year and engage more than 12,000 people in events and programs. This job has a very rewarding feeling. You might be worn out, but looking at the production you put on makes you feel very accomplished.

What is something you learned in college that prepared you for this job? Internships are so valuable, not only for the knowledge you get but for the connections you make. Do an internship with a company you would ultimately like to work for. This is a good way to start building contacts.

HOSPITALITY
Why it’s hot: Arkansas’ hospitality and leisure industry is expected to add 7,000 jobs by 2018. This broad field encompasses service areas including hotel and lodging, food service and tourism.

Try majoring in: Hospitality Management, Hospitality Services, Lodging, Public Relations, Marketing

Jobs you can get: Event Planner, Sales & Events Coordinator, Hotel Manager, Tourism Director, Public Relations Specialist

What’s the pay: Salaries in this field vary, but in 2011, Arkansas event planners averaged $37,670, lodging managers averaged $37,880 and public relations specialists averaged $46,270.