As I come closer to completing my time within Higher education, and reach the final stages of my own personal learning journey; it forced me to question whether Public Relations is for me? The CIPR 'State of the Profession 2019' Report, was not an easy read, highlighting several issues and challenges in regards to its inability to reflect 'the changing nature of the society it seeks to engage with'.
Intrinsically I am motivated by the need to 'do good' , that my skills, qualifications and experience are used in benefiting others. The issues highlighted within the 'CIPR State of the Profession 2019 highlighted that people are disadvantaged, based on 'who they are, rather than what they do '.
As a mature student from the South Wales Valleys, I have to confess that I am more 'Nessa' from Gavin and Stacy, than Kim Kardashian'; realistically my eyebrows just aren't 'on-fleek'.
Reaching out to several past students from MSC Public Relations/Strategic Digital Marketing students, I asked them for their personal reflections and professional advise, one year on from leaving higher education and establishing a career as young PR/Marketing professionals.
Here is just some of the advise they gave
'Obviously whilst in higher education I learnt academic skills that will prove invaluable to me throughout my life, but I have also learnt things about me as a person. Being in HE has forced me to be resilient, hard working, opinionated, changed my cultural knowledge and how to carry myself as a professional. Completing a Masters is hard work, but it is definitely worth it. No matter what grade you end up with, being able to show an employer that you can commit to something that requires hard work and determination will say a lot for your character'.
Having achieved a certificate in marketing from CIM, I wanted to ensure that my skill base was more defined. Challenging myself to earn a masters and I strongly believed that achieving success in a MSc would distinguish myself from others in the labour market. I benefited greatly from being in higher education, develop my skills on a strategic level, relate to experiences of implementing consultancy to a range of different organisations, re-entering the labour market with improved skills, confidence and an improved outlook. Since graduating with a 1st class honours, best performing student, and best dissertation awards, I have been able to secure a role as marketing as Marketing Executive for Eriz Magnetics Europe. Experiences and skills gained on the masters course was instrumental in gaining this position.
My advice to all future and present Master students is to work hard and the rewards will come with a masters degree.
After returning to the UK after a period working abroad, I felt I needed more experience in certain areas (or perhaps more confidence in my own ability), in order to pursue a career in PR and Marketing. Whilst studying, things go so quickly that I don't think you can really appreciate what it is you are really learning. I understand a lot more in terms of my job role and its responsibilities. I now tend to plan and look at things more strategically, and understand the marketing jargon, KPIs, CIPR, CPA's etc. My advice (apart from don't do it, haha...I kid!), is no matter how tough it gets, just keep going. Its been a huge benefit to my career and I'm grateful for the contacts I made whilst studying.
I felt that studying at post graduate level would open more doors for me, which it ultimately did! For context my MSc in Marketing gained me my current role, and for that I am very grateful. My drive to succeed, willingness to work as part of a varied team from being in higher education, and being on course with students of different cultures, languages, religions and attitudes I gain through studying post grad.
Even if it doesn't seem as if you are learning the necessary skills, these will come later. Your Masters will put you heads above other applicants. It shows more than just your willingness to learn, and gives you the oomph to go for that dream job once you are qualified.
At this point within our academic journey, it is natural to feel, apprehensive and conflicted about the choices we have made, and what the future holds. Yet I take comfort and strength from the positive responses I received from past students, who only a very short time ago, were facing the exact same crisis in their skills and abilities. Whilst focusing on completing a MSc and becoming masterly it is difficult to identify and acknowledge, how far we have come.
Hopefully in a years time we too, will be able to reflect on what we have achieved, and provide guidance to those who follow behind.
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