Time to Shine

Public Relations Management (PRM) has been described as an art and science and even 'Designer PR' but showing others what it is PR professionals do, is not as easy as holding up a painting, conducting a science experiment or having a designer PR gown draped over a model. When you come to think about it, displaying the value of managing perceptions and building a strong brand reputation, is not the easiest thing to do. It may not be easy but never say impossible and in reality we do need to communicate our value, loudly and proudly, or have to continually explain that we are not PA's or solely event coordinators.

As Marian Pike, Senior Lecture of Media Studies, wrote in 'Designer PR', the move to the Faculty of Informatics and Design has opened many opportunities. When opportunity knocks, the best response is to open the door and grab it with both hands. The PRM department is delighted to participate in an exhibition displaying the best student work to potential employers and business partners, and invites PRM students and recent graduates to participate in creating a PR display.

"This exhibit is about getting the Faculty and our students on the map," says Munira Allie, exhibition coordinator from the Faculty of Informatics and Design. The exhibition planned for this year, is ideal for PRM students and department to meet opportunity with preparation and create our own luck. This is our chance to establish our course as the leader in PR education as well as offering students to opportunity to shine to prospective employers.

The PRM department invites PR students and recent graduates to establish themselves as PR professionals by participating in this exhibition in the following ways:

• Submit portfolios and projects that would appeal to industry
• Email or drop off photographs and/or videos of 'PR in action', in class, on campus and working as interns in industry
• Volunteer to assist with the conceptualisation, exhibit design and/or the set up of the PRM display

For more information, contact Monique Boucher on 021 460 9077 or email boucherm@cput.ac.za