Career Exploration Video & Audio
Career Conversations Panel: Communications & Public Relations
Recorded October 21, 2010
During this panel, professionals shared their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field of Communications and Public Relations.
| Communications & Public Relations: Full Session |
Panelist Introductions
Melissa Shum
Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator, Cover FX Skin Care Inc.
Alumna: Honours BA Double Major Communications & Psychology (2007)
In my second last year of university I became determined to pursue a career in fashion Public Relations. After receiving my degree I went on to complete a post-grad diploma in Corporate Communications at Seneca at York. In the past 5 years, I was fortunate enough to dabble in the fashion and entertainment PR industries. Currently I am working in Marketing Communications with a specialization in Social Media for a beauty brand, spending my days connecting with influential people and building brand awareness online.
| Communications & Public Relations: Melissa Shum Introduction |
Susan Atkinson
Research Assistant, York University
Alumna: BA Psychology, York University, 2002
I have found communications an import aspect in the different career paths I have taken during my years of working. Since graduating from York I have expanded my area of knowledge to include researching. I am now working on a major project researching organizations and researchers, contacting them, updating their profiles and putting research articles on the website. What a surprise, loving an area of education that I had never considered in the past.
| Communications & Public Relations: Susan Atkinson Introduction |
Joseph Loiero
Associate Producer, CBC
Master of Journalism, Ryerson University, 2009
Alumnus: BA Communication Studies and Philosophy, York University, 2007
I work for the Investigative Content Unit for CBC News. I have the pleasure of researching and assisting in the production of investigative journalism stories for all CBC platforms; TV, radio and web. In a time when journalism is pervaded by uncertainty and change I am fortunate enough to be able to focus on a constant approach to news, produce quality journalism that asks how we got to where we are. I also took the joint program with Seneca College, studying Broadcast Journalism and I recently completed my Masters in Journalism from Ryerson.
| Communications & Public Relations: Joseph Loiero Introduction |
Edward Fenner
Web Communications & Publications Assistant, York University, Office of the Associate Vice-President International & Freelance Writer/Editor (Personal Website)
Alumnus: BA Professional Writing, York University, 2010
Most of my 25-plus years experience has been in technical communications. I've also explored corporate communications, marketing writing, corporate journalism, and public speaking. Recently, I have re-discovered my creative writing side through writing plays and poetry and acting as an advocate for mature students and adult learning issues. Returning to school in 2004 as a mature student and studying writing has helped my writing skills and opened up new opportunities. I'm now exploring science writing while I pursue a MA in Science and Technology Studies at York.
| Communications & Public Relations: Edward Fenner Introduction |
Questions & Answers
| Which experiences do you see as being pivotal in you reaching your current position? | |||
| What are some of the myths or misconceptions about this field? | |||
| What are the career options in this field for students without a degree in communications? | |||
| Based on your experiences, what advice can you give to people entering this field? | |||
| What type of further education in this field would you recommend? | |||
| Would a Post-Grad degree in PR give you an edge over someone with just a Bachelors degree? | |||
