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From start to finish: Centennial College post-grads plan charity events
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Authors: Jessica Chong & Katryna Fernandes

 

Student highlight: Centennial CCPR event class

 

Every year, Centennial post-graduate students must plan a charity event. Groups of four to six students and are given just under two months to plan a charity event with no budget. Add a final grade to the event and the stakes are even higher.

At the Pickering campus the events management course requires students to plan, promote and execute an event. In the Durham region with a smaller population to work with and few local business and facilities, the challenge was fierce. Groups were tasked with raising at least $1,000 for a charity of choice.

 

Centennial event blog

 

Group 1: Pushing for Power

Untitled At one Centennial campus, students were working on the “It’s Time” campaign to raise awareness  for the International Day of People with Disabilities recognizing the power of disabilities. “Pushing  for Power” sought to raise funds and awareness for CAF‘s It’s Time campaign!

Promoted entirely over social media using the Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram  (@PushingForPower) the event generated coverage from the Ajax-Pickering Advertiser and Snap’d  Newspaper.

MUMBA, the Markham-Unionville Minor Basketball Association, sponsored the venue and also  provided the trophy, medals for the top three teams and reversible jerseys for players. Starbucks  and Kerry’s Pizza provided refreshments and the wonderful referees, scorekeepers and volunteers  kept the tournament running smoothly.

A total of 14 prizes were raffled, including $350 in gift cards, signed Adam Folker basketball gear,  signed Raptors merchandise donated by MLSE and tickets to the February 2 Raptors game vs. the  Milwaukee Bucks.

Every aspect of the event was sponsored or donated and all funds generated went directly to the

charity. In total $1,779.68 was raised for CAF.

 

Group 2: More than just a Brew

fAt the other Centennial campus, another team organized a coffee and tea tasting event at Aroma Espresso Bar at Bay and Dundas, featuring a guest speaker, live entertainment and sustainable activities centered on coffee culture. The eco-themed event showcased organic Pluck Teas with locally sourced ingredients from Niagara, Muskoka and Prince Edward County.

During the two-hour event, $1,500 was raised. These funds will directly benefit underprivileged children in local neighbourhoods through Evergreen’s children education programs.

 

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Tips for planning your event

1. Sponsorship

 Pound the pavement early

Sponsorship takes time and a personal touch. It was a challenge finding time to visit businesses during the day with class, part-time jobs and group work. Prioritize the time because raffle and auction items can be a big incentive for some guests.

Leverage your personal network

Don’t underestimate your personal connections. One instructor, Chrissy Newton, encouraged students to reach out to contacts in their personal networks. Through a previous internship, we reached out to The Body Shop’s head office which led to an armful of products for a raffle gift basket.

2. Promotions and media relations

Aim for a mix of pre and post-event coverage

Send tailored pitches to key media. I contacted Karen Bliss, the founder of Samaritan Magazine.. While she was unable to attend our event, she offered pre-event coverage. We also reached out to media featuring community events including City Nights, BlogTO and Snapd.

Be optimistic and don’t get discouraged

Reach out to media and influencers, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back. You never know when your cause might resonate with someone. At the very least, they might give you pre-event coverage or a social media mention.

3. On-site at the event

Don’t fret over minor issues

Try to envision your event down to the nitty-gritty details leading up to your event, including raffle signage and assigning someone to take care of the band. Remain cool, calm and collected. The unexpected will happen. At our event, coat racks overflowed, signage didn’t stick well to textured walls. You can’t let the small stuff exacerbate your stress during the event.

Recruit reliable volunteers

I asked a few Centennial peers and my close university friends to help at the event. Find volunteers to help with minor setup and teardown tasks so you can focus on bigger tasks.

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In total, Centennial College teams at the Story Arts Centre and Pickering Campus planned events in support of 16 organizations listed below. What other advice would you give to students planning events through school?

  • Jumpstart
  • Evergreen
  • The Children’s Breakfast Club
  • Interval House
  • Sketch
  • Red Door Family Shelter
  • Variety Village
  • Kids Now
  • Look Good Feel Better
  • Toronto Mental Health Association
  • Greenhope for Children
  • Leave Out Violence (LOVE)
  • Wilkinson Jr. P.S.
  • Canada Cares
  • Feed the Need in Durham
  • The Canadian Abilities Foundation

 

Jessica

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Jessica and Katryna are both students in Centennial College’s CCPR program and are student representatives on CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee.

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Event post: Work Hard, Play Hard student pub night social
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On Wednesday, November 19, CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee held its first-ever pub night social. Work Hard, Play Hard invited students and young professionals from around the GTA to join in on a casual night of networking. Students from Centennial, Humber and Seneca were present, as were some young professionals fresh in their careers.

Everyone had a great time and we look forward to hosting another pub night social in the new year!

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A few choice tweets from the night:

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Why I joined CPRS
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Read our first winning submission from the new CPRS Toronto Student Blog Contest!

New topics are posted every two weeks, so be sure to submit your content for your chance to win. The next topic will be announced Saturday, November 22.

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The Best Career Move I’ve Made and Why You Should Do the Same

My fellow soon-to-be industry professionals, I’m about to let you in on a not-so-secret secret of mine: the top 4 reasons I joined CPRS (also known as ‘The Top 4 Reasons Why You Should If You Haven’t Already’ list). So without further ado, here’s why becoming a member was the best career move I’ve made so far:

1.NETWORKING

Let’s get the obvious one on the table first: PR is All. About. Networking. This is rule #1 in the handbook, and for good reason. As individuals not yet employed in the field, being a member is a great way to mingle with those who are. As a student member, you’re given access to the Membership Directory in which hundreds of new contacts are at your fingertips. You are immediately connected with like-minded individuals who share your passion and drive. Basically career gold.

2. VOLUNTEERING

In the very competitive world of PR, internships are the Holy Grail; highly coveted, hard to obtain. So how does one land an internship? It’s no secret that experience helps tremendously. And how does one gain experience? Enter volunteering. Nothing shows commitment to a goal more than offering your time and efforts without being paid. As a student member, you are given priority over non-members in terms of volunteering opportunities, including spending time at the ACE Awards, CEO Award, Annual General Meeting and other fun events. With volunteering, you are able to gain some seriously valuable knowledge, meet some hard-working and intelligent people and add some seriously good things to your resume. Win-win-win.

3. EVENTS

The CPRS Student Steering Committee doesn’t play around when it comes to the events they graciously plan. The exceptional Passport to PR event sold out within 3 hours of registration opening, and guess who got first dibs on their choice of PR agencies and offices to tour? As a student member, you’re always the first to be able to sign up for events like Passport, as well as others. Even before you’re given the first opportunity to register, all student members receive a very considerate reminder email regarding the coming event. Being a member ensures you never miss the signup date for events that may catch your eye.

4. GETTING TO PARTICIPATE IN AWESOME INITIATIVES LIKE THIS BLOG

(This one is arguably the most rewarding) Being able to write for CPRS and have my own personal post featured for my peers to see is definitely an accomplishment, but something I wouldn’t have been able to do before becoming a member. As a recognized student within CPRS, you are given opportunities to succeed in an environment filled with people you respect and look up to that non-members simply don’t have access to. When I first came across CPRS while researching public relations, I never would have guessed my blog post would be read by students just like me, but I’m grateful to say that it is, and there’s absolutely no reason why the next contributor couldn’t be you… or you… or you. Just remember folks: to observe is one thing, but to actively participate is quite another.

So there it is! Waste no more time missing out on the events, networking and opportunities awaiting you. And trust me… the grass is greener on the members’ side.

(Also, to make your life easier: https://www.cprstoronto.com/studentmembershipapplication/)

 

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Cheyenne Freitas is a fourth-year political science and media studies student at the University of Toronto. Find her on:

LinkedIn

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Student Steering Committee Profile: Molly Campbell
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Meet your 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee!

Over the next few months, we will be posting profiles of CPRS Toronto’s 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee Student Representatives. Stay tuned for more!

student blog image-mollycampbell

Molly Campbell, Student Rep
Humber College, Public Relations Postgraduate Certificate

I am thrilled to be a part of the CPRS Student Steering Committee this year as I begin my career in public relations. Having just moved to Toronto to start the Humber College PR Postgraduate Certificate, this committee is a great way to meet fellow PR students, contribute my skills and learn more.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Waterloo, Ontario, but Ottawa was my home for the past six years. I moved to Ottawa to complete my undergraduate degree in journalism at Carleton University. After that I worked for two years at a website development and marketing firm where I still work part-time.

What are you most excited for this year?

I am most excited about meeting people in the industry and learning more about all the amazing opportunities out there in the PR world. Through school, CPRS, internships and volunteering, there are so many ways I’m looking forward to meeting other PR professionals and students.

Have you interned anywhere?

After I completed my degree I got an internship with Carleton University’s Rwanda Initiative. I travelled to Kigali, Rwanda and worked as the assistant editor for an arts and culture magazine called Blink for two months. The experience taught me many lessons about Rwanda’s vibrant culture and helped me build my writing, organization skills and ability to adapt immensely.

What is your dream job?

Although I’m still deciding exactly where I want to go, my goal is to work for a large, international PR agency for clients in the consumer goods industry. I love the idea of working on a variety of projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school I enjoy running and staying active. I love art, film, music and history and I look forward to travelling more in the future.

Tell us something random about yourself

My first job after my internship in Rwanda was as a Tour Manager at the Haunted Walk of Ottawa, a ghost tour company. Not only did I organize tours and manage guide schedules, I also donned the cape and gave some tours myself!

Find me on:

Twitter: @mollyelle
LinkedIn

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Program post: Loyalist College, post-graduate public relations
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Choose your own adventure: Getting to know the post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College

Loyalist PR students at the United Way Fundraiser

Loyalist PR students at the United Way Fundraiser

Author: Ben Cowie

The post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College is a one-year certificate program. Known among students as “Loyalist PR”, the program is designed for recent post-secondary graduates looking for a professional career path to complement their existing education.

“I appreciate that in this program all experiences are viewed as an asset,” says student Kevin Ashbridge. “I get to build on my University of Ottawa degree, pad my current resume, develop new skills and shape them towards a profession that’s both challenging and exciting to me.”

Practical learning

Loyalist PR is all about hands-on, practical learning paired with students’ own individual interests.
“It’s a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure,’” says University of Western Ontario graduate and Loyalist PR student Ben Cowie. “You’re given the autonomy to choose your own topics of research, areas in which to network, and people to meet. We have no tests or exams. All of our learning is applied into the projects we create.”

Students are taught public relations basics, are encouraged to add their individual styles to assignments and learn how to operate multimedia software like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. They’re also taught the art of developing social media strategies, brand management programs, internal communications plans, non-profit communication campaigns, event coordination, traditional and online writing and much more. At the end of the program these skills are applied by students during a month-long field placement in Ontario, Canada – or anywhere in the world.

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Making connections

“I approached the program determined to take every opportunity that came my way,” says University of Guelph alumna Katrina White and Loyalist PR graduate 2013/14. “I found the professional association memberships [automatic with registration in the program] particularly useful. IABC and CPRS both hold great events for students.”

“You’ll meet real professionals there to mentor you because they have been in your shoes,” says Queens University graduate and Loyalist PR student Katie Stewart. “The College has connections in so many different industries. Our writing professor worked for the OHL and our program coordinator worked for the RCMP. We have health care connections, graduates who work at places like TIFF, the Ottawa Senators and Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. The list goes on and on.”

The Loyalist PR program uses industry connections to benefit students on a daily basis and has many networking events throughout the year. In October the class takes a trip to Toronto, while speed networking, professional panels and micro-networking sessions take place regularly.

“Our network of employers and industry partners is growing each year,” says Kerry Ramsay, Loyalist College Professor and post-graduate public relations Program Coordinator. “It is especially rewarding to see so many of our alumni who are now working in the field become brand ambassadors for the program, and mentors for our current students.”

“I never realized just how vast the PR industry is,” says Ben. “It’s encouraging to know there are so many opportunities out there.”

Loyalist PR's social media team is partnering with the Belleville Firefighters' annual Christmas toy drive

Loyalist PR’s social media team is partnering with the Belleville Firefighters’ annual Christmas toy drive

Affordable lifestyle

Loyalist College is located in Belleville, Ontario where students quickly learn benefits of studying in a smaller city setting.

“For me, feeling like a person and not just a number goes a long way towards making me feel valued,” says Ben. “Loyalist PR this year has a class size of 25. We learn what it’s like to work as a team, to support and learn from one another. We are living in a microcosm of the actual PR work environment.”

Belleville is a strategic location for students; its campus located less than an hour’s drive from Kingston and Oshawa. Toronto is only two hours away and is readily accessible by VIA Rail, the 401 and major bus lines.

“Loyalist is a huge part of the Belleville community, and it feels great going to a school so locally involved,” says Julia Vriend, Queens University graduate and student of the program. “Loyalist students are actively involved in partnering with local businesses and charities. It’s nice feeling like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself – like our involvement with the United Way of Quinte and the Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive. We get opportunities to work on real fundraisers for school credit and the community’s benefit.”

 

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Ben Cowie is a student in Loyalist College’s post-graduate public relations program. Find him on:

Twitter: @B9ers
LinkedIn

Have questions about the post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist College? Interested in becoming a student for the day? Please contact Kerry Ramsay, Professor and Program Coordinator at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca or visit www.loyalistpr.com.

 

**We are always looking for student submissions! If you would like to contribute to the new student blog, please email Arden at cprsstudents@gmail.com.

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I purchased my CPRS membership… now what?
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You’ve purchased your CPRS Toronto student membership and are ready to take the next steps? Congratulations! You have just made a tangible effort to advance your career in public relations. Joining a professional association has some great benefits, but sometimes it can be difficult figuring out the best way to get started.

  1. Attend as many events as you can

Making an effort to attend events hosted by CPRS Toronto is a great way to get your foot in the door. You will not only hear from industry professionals, but will also have a chance to network with PR professionals and other students.

As a student member, you get priority registration to all student events. This means when tickets first become available you are able to register right away. This year Passport to PR sold out in three hours and even some student members were not able to buy tickets in time so we encourage you to register right away.

Don’t limit yourself to student events only! CPRS Toronto hosts some great professional development events also open to students. The next PD event, Opportunities from the headlines will be held December 2, 2014.

  1. Break out of your shell

When attending events, be sure to speak to people you may not know. Our industry is filled with outgoing individuals who are more than willing to discuss the industry while giving you an opportunity to learn. Professionals who come to events understand your position as a student and know where you are coming from. Other students are likely feeling the same way you are, so don’t hesitate to walk up to someone and introduce yourself! (That includes members on the Student Steering Committee; we’re here for YOU.

  1. Submit content

A new student initiative is our student blog. Every two weeks we have contests for students’ work to be featured. This is a great opportunity to enhance your writing skills, receive feedback and add to your portfolio. (More information to be revealed tomorrow!)

  1. Utilize CPRS Toronto’s resources

Check the job board to see what organizations are looking for in candidates today. Check out the membership directory for industry contacts, and use CPRS Toronto’s library collection at the Toronto Reference Library for more resources.

  1. Volunteer

CPRS Toronto has many opportunities to volunteer. The Student Steering Committee is made up entirely of student volunteers. The ACE Awards, and CEO Award of the Year are also portfolios that look for volunteers each year.

Let us know: What other ways you’ve become involved with the CPRS Toronto society since purchasing your membership?

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Where are they now? – Nicholas Cahill
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Where are they now? Past Student Steering Committee Members tell us their story

Our new series explores the lives of past Student Steering Committee members. Stay tuned for more!

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Nicholas Cahill
Centennial College Certificate of Corporate Communications and Public Relations

What did you do on the CPRS SSC?

I was a representative for Centennial College. I had the opportunity to lead a group of students on Passport to PR, and provided support in various roles for 360 and Building Media Relationships

What post-secondary education did you take?

I took a Certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Centennial College (congratulations to Donna Lindell and Barry Waite on their recent promotions!)

What did you enjoy most about being on the SSC?

The events were obviously great — I particularly liked Passport to PR and 360— but it was also great to meet people from different schools. PR is a growing industry, but it is also a small world — It’s virtually guaranteed I’ll be working with people I met while working with the SSC at some point in my career.

The fact is, the CPRS events are a showcase for up-and-coming talent in PR. The people who seek out networking and professional development events are typically the people that will bring that level of dedication and focus to their careers once they move on. So you know when you’re at a CPRS event you are in amongst the cream of the crop.

Where do you work now and what do you do?

After completing an internship in Content Strategy at Deloitte as part of my program, I transitioned to a permanent role as a coordinator in the marketing delivery group. My role consists mainly of managing the finer details of events and marketing communications collateral.

How do you think CPRS helped advance your career or readied you for your current position?

In addition to creating a low-stress environment to develop networking skills, CPRS provided me with leadership opportunities and access to veterans in the business. I’ve made connections with established professionals across industries, and those connections have served me well. When you’re part of a pool of people who are all graduating at the same time with the same credentials, putting a face to a name, shaking a hand and establishing a presence are crucial to getting a leg up when applying for full time positions.

Please tell us something interesting or random about yourself

I am probably the tallest person you’ve ever met.

Find me on:

Twitter: @CahillNi
LinkedIn

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Student Steering Committee Profile: Matisse
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Meet your 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee!

Over the next few months, we will be posting profiles of CPRS Toronto’s 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee Student Representatives. Stay tuned for more!

Matisse

Matisse Hamel-Nelis, Student Rep
Durham College, Public Relations Fast-Tracked

Welcome to the new student blog where we students will be giving our tips and tricks for success while sharing our experiences as we navigate our studies and break into the PR world. This is my first year being part of CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee, but I have been a member of the organization since my first year of study.

Where are you from?

I live in Oshawa, Ont., but have lived all over the Toronto area.

What are you most excited for this year?

The Passport to PR event and opportunities to network with other students and industry professionals are what excite me most about this upcoming year.

Have you interned anywhere?

I have been working in the Communications and Marketing department at Durham College as a communications assistant for five months – learning the ins-and-outs of internal and external communications for a post-secondary institution.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be working in communications for a college or university. The idea of helping build and maintain a school’s image while creating unique campaigns is something that fits perfectly with my love of public relations.

What do you do outside of school?

Outside the classroom and work I’m involved with the Children’s Wish Foundation, the Society of Media, Art & Design, and the Experience DC campaign at Durham College, which has given 15 students the chance to share their college experience through social media for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Tell us something random about yourself

I’m in love with minions from the movie Despicable Me. It’s a bit of a running joke now amongst my friends and family that whenever a holiday comes up, at least one person will add to the minion pile I have.

Find me on:

Twitter: @matissesays
LinkedIn
Personal blog: www.matissehamel.com

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Student Steering Committee Profile: Jessica Chong
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Meet your 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee!

Over the next few months, we will be posting profiles of CPRS Toronto’s 2014/2015 Student Steering Committee Student Representatives. Stay tuned for more!

Jessica

Jessica Chong, Student Rep
Centennial College, Post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations, BA (Honours)

This is my first year involved with CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee and I couldn’t be more excited for all the events ahead. This past year, I’ve worn many hats working at a bi-weekly newspaper to a PR agency.

Where are you from?

I’m from the suburbs, but I’ve always called downtown Toronto my second home.

What are you most excited for this year?

I’m excited to encourage as many of my peers to come out to this year’s events as possible, especially Building Media Relationships. As someone who worked as a student journalist, on the other side of the fence, it will definitely be an intriguing conversation to witness.

Have you interned anywhere?

This past summer, I interned at ROI Relations, a Toronto-based lifestyle agency. Before that I spent two summers at State Farm Canada.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be at a large, global agency – a role that’s always challenging. I see public relations as a way to combine the best of storytelling and creativity.

What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I work a part-time job, scour the latest lifestyle blogs and blog myself at www.tostylewithgrace.com. I also keep up interests in photography and graphic design in my spare time.

Tell us something random about yourself

I love travel and new adventures – When I was 18, I studied abroad for a year and traveled to southwest England’s Jurassic Coast on a spontaneous solo photography trip that took seven hours.

Find me on:

Twitter: @jessica_gracec
LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/jessicagracechong/

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Industry post: Five time management lessons from PR agency life
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Time management lessons from the agency life

 

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Author: Cole Douglas

When working in the PR world one discovers that the phrase “time is money” couldn’t be more true. This proves to be even more relevant in the PR agency sector where you are charging for your services, sometimes in six-minute intervals.

Through participating in various PR agency internships I have learned the true secret to success is effective time management. I have decided to share five time management tips I have learned over the years that will lead you to success in any industry you decide to pursue.

1. Multitasking

This may sound obvious, especially in our technology-advanced generation, but couldn’t be more true. Being a successful multitasker will allow you to accomplish the various projects that come your way on time and on budget. If you are able to jump from writing a news release for a client one minute then having to adjust gears and compose an event critical path for another without hesitation, you will be successful. So next time you are on hold for a client’s product delivery, consider taking that 20-minute hold time to add to your other client’s Twitter editorial calendar.

2. Read it a second time

When you receive an urgent email or task, the first reaction is to delve right into the challenge. However, many people find themselves missing critical aspects of the project halfway through completion due to not reading the details. Make sure you take the extra five minutes to read through the task a second or third time and make note of all critical aspects. Once everything is accounted for you can drive full-steam ahead to success.

3. Budget for interruptions

No matter how effective you are at planning and executing your daily schedule remember that things come up. Taking the time to budget for even an hour of interruptions will help you stay on schedule for the day. And most times when you don’t end up having any pressing interruptions, you feel ahead of schedule.

4. Use your calendar

Your work calendar will become your best friend. Having clearly set activity times in your calendar will help you stay on track with your daily initiatives. I always found the 15 minute reminder alarm provided me adequate time to switch gears from one task to another.

5. Relax

At the end of the day with time sensitive projects, the best thing is to relax. Nothing will cut into your time more than a mind that is frozen with panic. Sometimes things can be a little overwhelming, but always remember that there is 24 hours in a day and anything is possible. Keeping a clear and stress-free mind will allow you to focus clearly and be more effective.

Time management is a constantly developing skill especially with the many tools appearing each day in our ever-developing industry. I hope that you will find at least one of these tips beneficial to you and provide another tool to add to your PR toolkit. What else would you add to the list?

 

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Cole Douglas is CPRS Toronto’s VP, External on the Student Steering Committee. He is a fourth year student in Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations program. Find him on:

Twitter: @coledouglas7
LinkedIn

**We are always looking for student submissions! If you would like to contribute to the new student blog, please email Arden at cprsstudents@gmail.com.

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