Public relations agencies, corporate communications and investor relations departments, digital marketing companies, not-for-profit sector organizations, and hospitals and healthcare organizations all seek professionals to come up with PR strategies, build relationships with the media, write press releases and reports on media coverage data, oversee content production (adverts, videos, social media and online PR stunts), arrange press conferences and events, manage client relationships and oversee social media PR strategies.

The professionals in this area have one thing in common: They have all attended one of Canada's Public Relations programs, such as Centennial College's Bachelor of Public Relations Management. This four-year offering is completed with all of the perks of a college program — interactive components, small classes that allow for discussion, a more personal relationship with instructors that allows for networking — but results in a Bachelor credential.

During their time in the offering, students attend a range of Public Relations courses that teach them to:
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of the public relations industry;
  • Gain critical skills in professional writing, research, strategic communications and social and digital media;
  • Learn key business skills that will impact career success, including financial management, organizational behaviour, business law, accounting, and more;
  • Obtain a thorough understanding of society that includes a focus on global citizenship, corporate social responsibility and the role communicators play in helping organizations make change;
  • Learn the ins and outs of the digital world, including developing multifaceted social media and integrated online marketing programs.

With its thorough lessons, the Bachelor of Public Relations program contains a balance between theoretical and practical learning. Among the courses included are 10 core business courses as well as classes that emphasize research, social and digital media and corporate communication. Specific Public Relations Degree courses include: The Power of Communications, Introduction to Social media, Writing for Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Communications Planning, Internal Communications, Introduction to Communication Design, Investor Relations and much more.

Both in and out of the classroom, students complete real-world projects that mimic situations they will encounter in their careers. Additionally, they partake in a 15-week industry field placement. This field placement is one of the aspects that sets this offering apart from other PR programs and gives students an additional edge over the competition. Students get to practice everything they have learned in their program under the supervision of seasoned professionals. This experience does not include getting coffee for employers but instead sees students delve into tasks they would normally complete in the profession. In addition, it is an opportunity for students to expand their professional networks, which may help to secure jobs once they graduate.

This is one PR program Toronto-based offering that truly offers a comprehensive range of public relations, corporate communications and social media.