So, recently on 14th March 2024 there was an event hosted in out university by Teela Clayton, for Charter Institute of Public Relations. It was a members gathering that were studying public relations course at Leeds Beckett University whether students were doing post graduation or under graduations students were free to join as there was no entry fees charged by any of the student to register for this networking event we just needed to register through our mail id and this event was specifically focused on the engaging with the guest speakers who were already working in PR industry. This gathering was for engaging and open up with the professional with different backgrounds.
The Outcomes from the event
This event has actually helped me open up with my fear which is communication as I believe I am very bad in communication but this event has actually helped me open up with my fear and unlocking it because in the event when i started to talking with the guest speakers I get to know their experiences and their mistakes from it and they were very great at explaining their mistake and their challenges which they faced while working and which they still faces some days, it helped me establishing some connection with the speakers, I have connected with them on my LinkedIn profile and I do follow up what is going around in the PR industry because it is very tough to manage everything because anything can happen at any point of time.
My Experience
My experience at this event was very refreshing because in my life I’ve never been to any such educational learning event before, so while we entered in the the room there was free drinks like orange juice and some fizzy drinks. There were total of 7 guest guest speakers as far as i remember and their name were –
- Dave Glanville who is the head of communications and promotion PR
- Amelia Selby who is the SEO travel’s PR
- Rebecca Benn who works as an external relations service
- Gary Taylor who is the South Yorkshire specialist for chart PR
- Prakriti Roy who is the an alumni student of Leeds Beckett PR student
- Mary Hampshire who teaches at Sheffield college PR and media relations.
- Naj Modak Who is a BBC correspondent
How i connected with them after their interaction
After seeing the guest, they first introduced themselves and their experiences and occupation briefly and then we discussed about the challenged that were being faced by them and how marketing is different from being a PR professional and how influencers have affected on PR industry and how social media has changed everything and how fake messages are spreading so fast which are senseless, after the guest done with their experiences and challenges. We all then gathered and I personally went to each and every guest and asked their struggle in life which they faced and I also asked them how an international student like me will get a job in PR industry and they all just said work hard on yourself and be honest with what every you do and give it your 100 percent which really touched me. I have also connected each and every one on LinkedIn where all the guest speakers keep me updated about all the PR industry news.
The one guest which i really like and taught me how to make it big
Prakriti Roy who was also an alumni student at Leeds Beckett guided me how tough it is to get a job because every organization or any PR agency first they asked what are your past work experience and it is very important to keep your resume and cover letter updated every time you apply for any job role and keep sure it is simple and not very complex. And I had a fun time enjoying at this gathering because I learned a lot and it was a great experience for me and also for other students who attended this event at rose bowl.
Thank you so much for reading this.