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Canadian Careers - Public Relations Articles
Excelling in Public Relations in Canada
By Maryse Cardin
Introduction
In the ten years that I have been working as a public relations practitioner, I have found that there are certain qualities that those who have an aptitude for the field tend to share. Successful practitioner not only master what we call the hard skills, they bring to their work a certain attitude that enable them to excel and to build rewarding careers.
In my classes at Langara College in Vancouver, British Columbia where I am an instructor in public relations, I found that my students not only asked me questions about the required skills such as conducting media relations or budgeting for a campaign, but they seemed even more interested in my stories on how to handle certain situations from dealing with difficult clients to pitching story ideas when the media are not responding positively.
My students have unfailingly told me how valuable that information is not only to preparing them for a great career in the industry, but also in helping them build their self confidence.
To supplement my own experiences, I began conducting interviews with a multitude of practitioners working in different aspects of the industry to get their views and opinions on what made them successful and what brought them happiness in their careers as I consider personal happiness at work a sign of success.
This information has not only helped my students, but it has also been invaluable to my own career as public relations is a field where one is always learning and trying new approaches. Sometimes their views validated something I have been doing for years, at other times, it made me rethink my practice.
In this series of articles, I will share their experiences, as well as my own working on campaigns with different clients in a multitude of markets. My hope is that these articles will help those who are planning a career in public relations prepare for an exciting, enriching and rewarding career. Experienced practitioners may also pick up valuable tips and information.
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Maryse Cardin is the co-owner of Turtle & Hare Creative, an award winning boutique public relations agency. (www.turtleandharecreative.com) She has worked on campaigns in North America, South America, and Asia for a multitude of clients including News Corporation, the Hain Celestial Group, Toyota and the Nagano Olympic Committee. She teaches public relations at Langara College. Maryse is presently writing a book on women in public relations and the skills it takes to excel in the industry.
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