Last week, Toronto public relations students made their way through the city to visit some of the biggest and best firms in the country. Led by Student Steering Committee members of Toronto’s Canadian Public Relations Society, Passport to PR is the perfect way to get a peek into the PR industry.
With nearly 100 registered students from Humber, Seneca, Centennial, Ryerson and the University of Guelph-Humber, it’s safe to say the event was a great success.
Here are five things we learned from Passport to PR:
1. Never stop learning
For many students, it’s easy to assume our education stops once we graduate. But according to the FHR squad, that way of thinking can be fatal.
If you’re wondering how to stay relevant as you navigate the PR world, remember to stay curious. According to Amna Pervaiz, Associate Consultant at FHR, “If you’re not curious, then PR probably isn’t for you.”
2. Be proactive–seriously
Whether it’s your dream to intern at an agency or shine in a corporate communications department, it’s imperative to plan ahead, stay organized and be proactive.
Not only will it show employers you can be trusted with big tasks, but it also demonstrates you’re always thinking about your next move. In a fast-paced career like PR, that’s invaluable.
3. Writing skills are EVERYTHING
If you haven’t heard it enough in class, here’s another reminder. According to Louis Payette, Director of Corporate Communications at Argyle Public Relationships, effective writing is the top skill employers are looking for when hiring. So, polish up your prose!
4. Culture matters
If there’s one thing we took away from visiting the FHR office, it’s that culture matters–and they’re doing it the right way. From office-wide committees, to “Friyay’ socials and professional development opportunities, the FHR team proves great work comes from great people.
Over at Ketchum, their small Toronto team lets staff jump into whatever interests them most. For Ketchum, building a robust culture begins before you even get hired. Bottom line, if the hiring team doesn’t think you’re a good fit, you probably won’t land an interview.
5. Be a do-er
Starting an internship can be daunting. With so many names, accounts, and responsibilities to manage, it may seem tempting to take a back seat. But good things never come from comfort zones. If you want to impress your team, make clients love you and to move up the ranks, you must be a do-er. Put your hand up for everything. Take initiative and always come prepared. Your future self will thank you.
PR is a fantastic opportunity to meet and chat with industry professionals, connect with like-minded students and navigate the industry’s many paths. For students looking to grow their network, it’s the best and easiest way to make it happen.
Thank you to Argyle Public Relationships, Ketchum, FHR and all of the PR agencies and corporations for providing insight and welcoming us into your offices. I would also like to extend my thanks to Group B and my fellow CPRS Student Steering Committee members for organizing and executing this event.
Until next time.
Written by: Alena Blanes, VP, Internal Affairs, CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee