Why This Event Planner Got His MBA


MBA

Skift Take

For Cambridge Innovation Institute's Scott Arrington, a newly minted MBA is already helping him in his planner role. But he's the first to admit that grad school isn't for everyone.

Scott Arrington, a meeting planner assistant at Cambridge Innovation Institute, didn’t waste any time deciding to go back to school for his MBA. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Providence in May of 2023 with a degree in Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management (SEEM), he enrolled that fall in the school’s MBA program

He received his degree in December of 2024 and already is putting what he learned to use, he told Skift Meetings. 

Skift Meetings: What motivated you to get your MBA?

Scott Arrington: “While I was in college, I realized my undergrad degree was very niched. The MBA allowed me to broaden that.

“I had talked with my professors about which concentration would be best, and I ended up choosing organizational leadership instead of hospitality or event leadership, so it didn't overlap with my undergraduate degree.”

Skift Meetings: What have you been able to apply to your job so far?

Scott Arrington: “What I’ve learned in project management and contract law classes has already helped me in my job. We never covered accounting in undergrad, so my grad classes gave me a much broader picture of finance.”

Skift Meetings: Why did you choose Johnson & Wales?

Arrington: “They offered an alumni discount, and also virtual classes. I'm a person who appreciates being in person. But with my current position I travel too much, so it didn't make sense to be in person because I would have missed weeks at a time.

“The professors were great about my traveling. One week I was doing an international meeting and told them that, with the time change, it was going to be a little difficult to hit my due date. Nine times out of 10, they were willing to give me an extension.”

Skift Meetings: A lot of planners would like to go back to school, but find it hard to imagine devoting the time. How did you do it?

Arrington: “How demanding it is definitely depends on what classes you’re taking. I did two classes every 8 weeks; they recommend you take one class every 8 weeks, which makes it much more manageable. That would take two years to complete. 

“I would say I probably spent 10 hours on average a week. I just spaced it out and then dedicated one weekend day to making sure I had it all done.

“Since my job is currently remote, I could finish work one day and then maybe work an hour or two on a paper. I still made sure I had a social life, or could go to a networking event at night.”

Skift Meetings: Do you feel it was worth the investment? 

Arrington: “Absolutely. Even just in my day-to-day work, I can draw from that knowledge. Now my boss will come to me and ask me certain questions about organizational leadership or our team dynamics. 

“It definitely has helped with people management, when we're working with everybody on site. We're heavily team-based. One of the big things we looked at in a couple of classes was leadership personalities, and how to work with people who may not have the same work style but are working toward the same goal.

“It has also helped with contracting. I’ve just started tapping into the world of RFPs and contracting new events. Project management and meeting planning also go hand in hand, especially when you're working on more than one event at a time.”

Skift Meetings: Do you think getting an MBA is a good idea for your fellow planners?

Arrington: “I don't think an MBA is for everybody. Especially as you get further away from when you went to school, it’s hard to go back. And unfortunately, it’s expensive. But I definitely think continuing education is important.”

Skift Meetings: But even with a degree, it’s hard for meeting planners to find jobs right now.

Arrington: “Yes, it’s very difficult. I have some classmates that I graduated with two years ago who are still having trouble finding jobs. They've gotten some contract work here and there, but nothing full-time. In meeting planning, and hospitality in general, connections are huge.”

Skift Meetings: What’s next for you?

“I need to renew my membership with the MPI, and I think I'm going to go for my CMP next.

“And now, my MBA brings an extra touchpoint when I’m talking to people.”

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