On Oct. 31, students of Niagara College’s Public Relations class went on a trip to Toronto to speak with PR professionals at Canadian Tire and Edelman. Students learned about the companies’ internal structures, resume and interview tips and the importance of teamwork in PR.
“We always strive to provide as many networking opportunities as we can for our PR students across the program,” said Emily McInerney, PR program coordinator and professor. “In just one day our students had the opportunity to meet with 12 seasoned PR professionals.”
In the morning, students met with NC PR graduate and external communications advisor for Canadian Tire, Steph Porter, and other members of the Canadian Tire communications team. Students learned about internal and external communications in the company and saw examples of successful PR campaigns.
“I really enjoyed learning about successful campaigns from the PR teams at Canadian Tire and Edelman. It was incredible to see the hard work and creativity they put into each project,” said Kaitlyn Allen, PR student.
In the afternoon, the PR class visited Edelman where they were hosted by the company’s senior vice president of communications, Brian Rosevear. Students heard from PR practitioners in a variety of fields from retail to health, as well as from Edelman’s recruitment department.
At both visits, NC students had the opportunity to speak with a panel of PR practitioners that included seasoned professionals and recent hires to the company.
“Meeting with PR professionals and seeing them in their work environments really helped me visualize where I could be within the next year,” said Allen. “It’s exciting to think that some of them were in our shoes not so long ago.”
Had a really fantastic time visiting @EdelmanPR and @CanadianTire with the @niagara_pr class today! Grateful to be part of a program where I’m always learning #PRatNC pic.twitter.com/pLOhqtuwqK
— Katie (she/her) (@katiemaccabe_) October 31, 2018
“The ability to go on this networking excursion, understand the inner-workings of an office or HQ, and talk directly to potential employers made this trip worthwhile,” said PR student, Kevin Koudys. “To be able to ask questions related to current industry standards also allows us to understand what we need to do to make ourselves marketable in such a competitive industry.”
The visit to Canadian Tire headquarters offered insight into in-house corporate PR, whereas Edelman, and company staffing over 160 people in their Toronto location, showed students the world of agency.
“It is a day of inspiration,” said McInerney. “Having our students hear from experienced pros about a day in their life, resume and interviewing tips and how to stand out in a competitive industry is all so valuable.”
The College’s PR program is a one year graduate program designed to help develop the public relations and strategic communication skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced and diverse world of PR.
Wow what a fantastic field trip to TO! Sending thanks to our generous hosts @StephPorts @CanadianTire & @brosevear & team @EdelmanCanada. We appreciate your time and insights. #PRatNC pic.twitter.com/pQ8qiqHAo8
— Niagara College PR (@niagara_pr) October 31, 2018
