Complete Communication Skill Training And Enter the Field Prepared
Do you want to get connected to the public relations industry by attending communication skills training
in the form of a Corporate Communications and Public Relations program?
Have you already completed a post-secondly program and can submit an
official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion? In
addition, are you able to attend an information session that includes
writing and editing exercises and submit a portfolio of writing and a
resume? If you answered ‘yes’, you may want to consider applying to
Centennial College’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations
offering. Those who can present a combination of partial post-secondary
education (two years minimum) and relevant work experience may also be
considered for Centennial College’s communications training.
Taking
just one year to complete, the program is one of the most highly
regarded programs in Ontario. Among the skills learned via the program’s
communication skill training: learning to research, write, plan, edit,
design and implement everything from strategic communications plans and
employee newsletters to gala dinners for hundreds of people. In
addition, students study the importance of creating communications
strategies that influence employee attitudes, shift stockholders’
opinions and tell an organization’s story to the media.
Students
attend eight communications courses in the first semester and seven
communications courses in the second semester. Among these courses are:
Introduction to Corporate Communications (examines the origins and
nature of corporate communications and public relations and how both are
carried out within businesses, associations, agencies and government);
Public Relations Writing (introduces students to typical PR writing
formats designed to inform. Emphasis is on applying the fundamentals of
clear, concise, coherent written communication designed to inform
specific readers, both internal and external to the organization); Media
Relations (students examine how the communicator develops and fosters
effective relations with the news media to achieve specific
communications goals); and more.
To round out training, students
partake in a communication skill training course called Client Project,
which gives them the chance to put into practice the skills and
knowledge acquired. Project work is completed outside the classroom,
usually independently, with off-campus clients. The work is often for
not-for-profits clients and can involve: strategic communications
planning including the production of written and graphics pieces such as
brochures, media kits or newsletters. Students are assigned a faculty
advisor for the course and, typically, find their own clients.
Lastly,
students of this communication skill training gain experience in the
field of Corporate Communications, by working fulltime for eight weeks
(or longer) at a public relations agency, a not-for-profit, a government
ministry or department, a corporation or an association to gain
practical experience and knowledge. Many Field Placements are unpaid
positions; others offer an honorarium.
Upon graduation from the communication skills training and corporate communications courses,
as an entry-level communications specialist, students may land jobs
that involve: media relations, employee communications and web-based
communications.