Public Relations Programs

Join industry leaders as they share tips and advice for your next step in career success. Includes opportunities to mingle with featured speakers, students and alumni.

Marketing, Public Relations & Communications
Friday, October 16
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Featuring:
Frederic Harnois – Campaign Manager, Bloom Search Marketing
Leslie Quinton – Leader – Strategic Communication Practice, LRN
Lauren Scott – Communications and Public Relations Manager, Distech Controls
Jackson Wightman – Founder, Proper Propaganda

Free for McGill SCS students and alumni!
Places are limited.

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PRESENTED BY: Copyright © 2015 McGill University School of Continuing Studies. All rights reserved. For more information: McGill University School of Continuing Studies E-mail: labourmarketconnections.scs@mcgill.ca | Telephone: 514-398-8800 ext. 04553

Just heard that Edelman PR’s Toronto branch gets between 95 and 120 CVs per month from entry-level candidates – – for between one and three positions! And they’re not the only ones. We hear the same thing from firms in Montreal and other cities. Public relations and communications management is a growing field – which means growing competition for good jobs. I’m glad to say many of our graduates do very well in the job market – but it doesn’t always come easy.

There is now a way for entry-level candidates and recent PR grads to distinguish themselves in the market: the new PRK (public relations knowledge) exam. Developed by the Canadian Pubic Relations Society (CPRS) after extensive research with industry, students and educators, the exam measures knowledge of the field, as well as qualities employers told CPRS they need most from new hires: writing skills, judgement and workplace readiness. After a pilot project in Calgary last fall, the exam debuts this month – January 26 to be precise – in five Canadian cities.  (Montreal is not anong them but will probably be added next time.) It’s done on line, but from a proctored site in each city.

Graduates wiith less than two years’ experience who want to take the PRK exam can check out the CPRS website. For a more detailed story, see the recorded presentation (which can be watched on Slideshare to speed it up). There is a preparation package for those with little PR background, but graduates of the McGill programs should not have much difficulty.

Jackson Wightman who produces the blog Proper Propaganda, takes on old stereotypes about public relations and turns them around, in both the name of his firm/blog and his own title: Minister of Propaganda. (I admit to having had a quick intake of breath when I first saw it!) His focus will be of interest to students and recent grads looking to produce publicity results without the budget of a major corporation. He also mentioned our programs in his recent blog, where he gives some useful tips for people wanting to start a career in the public relations/communications field.