One of the main determinants as to why I chose the
Public Relations Graduate Certificate at Mohawk College was its inclusion of a
140-hour placement. This factor appealed to me because it gave me a chance to
garner some more hands-on experience in the actual working field while simultaneously
applying my newfound knowledge of what I’m learning in the program. I wanted to
jump at the opportunity early on and within a few weeks of school starting I
got a placement at the Hamilton Public Library (HPL). From mid-September until
now I have been going to their Central Library branch every Monday and Friday
from 9-5.
Since joining the team, I have been able to apply
my skills and knowledge to the various tasks that they assign me. It seemed
like all the tasks I was given outside of school simultaneously corresponded
with the lessons being learned in the classroom. As I learned how to write
media releases, I was tasked to write them for the library. As I learned how to
use the Meltwater platform, I found ways to incorporate it into the media lists
and media coverage reports I had been doing as well. This goes to show how up
to date the program is in relation to the actual work that a PR professional
may be doing in the workplace.
In addition to working at the hub of the library, I
have also been able to prepare and attend external events that the library hosted
on other days or in the evenings. I was able to go to the LGBTQ+ archives
launch and the Hawksley Workman concert. In addition, I was able to help
prepare for the hosting of the 2019 PSPMF through the drafting of the sponsorship
section of the guide, calling sponsors to confirm registration, preparing gift
bags to be handed out, and making name tags, signs and volunteer buttons.
It is through these hands-on experiences that I am
learning transferable skills that can be applied to any job that I may acquire
in the future. Not only is it giving me a chance to improve my writing from a
PR standpoint but also manage my time and priorities to accommodate many
different tasks. Of course, it is a good reference to write on my resume, however
the actual experiences I am receiving being in a communications environment are
ones that extend beyond a piece of paper.
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