Taken Down the Path of PR

Public Relations can be defined as ; the relationship between the public and a company. Not only is it just the relationship,  also how every aspect of a company is seen  in the eye of the public and if a mistake is made, how to fix the problem, evaluate the efforts and strategically follow the road to success to become a stronger and trusting company than before.

 

My choice of topic, “how the PR course is benefiting me” is partially because I feel that I am very different from every other single person taking the public relations program this year at Mohawk College. If I looked back three months ago I would have never thought that I would have been taken down the path of public relations. Learning about ethics, IMC plans, PR plans , RACE formulas etc and much more!  Although this was not my original educational background I was seeking , I feel that course is a great stepping stone and learning experience.

 

As I have mentioned to numerous friends and classmates, that I never actually applied to this program. I did not submit a writing test, send writing samples or to be honest even know what public relations entailed until this past summer.  Yes, I did plan on attending Mohawk College this year but I was ready to focus completely and entirely on event planning. I wanted to move into the event field. Unfortunately a  disappointing phone call changed everything when I was told that the program was no longer being offered for September 2012. I was told that Mohawk  offered a public relations course which touched a bit on event management in the second semester. I weighed my options and decided to go for it, I had nothing to lose. .. other than the damage in my bank account.

 

 I went into this course very skeptical and not too sure how and if I would really like it, but after a few months I can happily say that it definitely  beneficial to me. The Public Relations program has taught me thus far many valuable skills such as; how to properly write business letters, press releases, PR plans and countless other documents.  I also have gained a new interest in the news. I was never very intrigued by local news before I took this course but I must say I am enjoying the media relations class and find it very interesting. This course has also encouraged me to take on a field placement. I am currently working for the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) in Toronto and I enjoy it.

 

I think the most beneficial thing that I am taking in from this course so far though, has to be a very insightful meeting I had  with a woman of the name; Heather Pullen. Even though I will have my placement hours completed from the ROM I have still been seeking other placements to gain experience and see what field is the best fit for me.  Last week I met with Ms. Pullen. She is in charge of the Hamilton health science public relations department at Mcmaster Hospital. I went into this interview with the intent of gaining a possible internship for January in the Public Relations field. But after speaking with Helen and going through my resume we both could tell where my true passion is. I really wish I could say it was public relations but both Helen and myself came to the conclusion that my calling is working in events .Not  just being a “party planner” but really making someones special day that much better for them . After this meeting I was not disappointed with the fact that I would not be working with her, but satisfied with the content we had discussed in this interview. She actually gave me a few contact numbers of event planners in Hamilton to help me out. Heather also informed and encouraged me to go to informational interviews, yet another topic we will be learning about in public relations.

 Although I am currently not in my first choice program , I am glad that I decided to take on the challenge of this course. At times it becomes very stressful but after the assignments are submitted there is a feeling of gratification and success, knowing that the work is done. The most beneficial thing I will be able to take away from this course is networking and being able to make the right connections to get where you want to go. Life in general is all about who you know and making just one right connection could take you to a place you never thought you would get to.  I feel that everything happens for a reason and by making that connection with Heather, she has taught me more about myself than I truly knew and if I never enrolled in this course then I would not have had the chance to meet with Helen and who knows where I would be now. I look forward to completing the public relations at Mohawk College and that satisfying feeling of accomplishing this program. WIthin the completion I will be able to take the valuable skills learned along with me into the next chapter of my life.