I heart PR.
It’s almost hard to believe that this school year is coming to an end. Wrapping my brain around the idea that once I finish writing this blog post, I will be finished all of my course work for this year and, in turn, complete my post-secondary education.
When I got into Centennial’s Corporate Communication and Public Relations program, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I knew was that I enjoyed a lot of the aspects of PR and thought it’d be a great fit for me. But since I began the program back in September, my perception of PR has definitely changed. Let me explain.
When I started this program, I have to be honest – I had this wonderful idea of what a career in the PR industry would be like. Glitz, glam and all that jazz. Volunteering for a lot of small PR agencies in Toronto did that. Little did I know that it was a lot more work than that. Don’t get me wrong, all of the great things I thought about the industry are true but there were many things that I didn’t realize went into the makings of a great career in PR.
One of the things that seem obvious now, but didn’t back in September, was how important writing was when it came to PR. I know, I know – you are all like “Oh come on Prichila, obviously writing is important to PR.” It’s true, I knew it was important but the various styles of writing, ways to position your objective, keeping it concise but getting your point across – these are the kind of things I didn’t expect.
Now when I read press releases, advertorials, PSAs, or even just direct mail – I can see the techniques that have been used and see how well pieces are written. PR professionals are some of the best writers in the entire world, I am convinced. If they put their minds to it, they can convince you of just about anything.
When I came into the program, I was already impressed with what I knew about PR professionals, but leaving this program now, I am excited to be able to say that I will be joining such an incredible industry, where talent and drive really does speak for itself.
My perception of what I saw myself doing has also changed after experiencing this program. In September, my heart was dead set on working in a PR agency. That was my “dream PR job.” But as the year went by and we continued to learn about various aspects of the industry, I learned that there was a lot more out there that appealed to me. With the help of CCPR, I’ve realized that I am more interested than ever in doing corporate communications for a large entertainment, technology or communications company. Something I never thought I would say eight months ago. This program really opened my eyes to all the opportunities and possibilities there were out there.
I always felt really great about choosing to do this program and, now that it’s come to an end, I feel even more confident in my decision. I am so appreciative of the people I have met, the course instructors who have taught me invaluable lessons and the friends that I have made. Here’s hoping that each and every one of us is successful with whatever path we choose.






















