What our grads say...
"I love my job!"
From Amelia
“Kwantlen's Public Relations diploma program provided me with invaluable experience that has led me to many exciting opportunities. The dedicated faculty know their stuff and bring industry examples straight to the classroom, helping students prepare for the realistic world of PR. The coursework was extremely practical and upon graduation not only did I have an excellent portfolio but also a job in the industry I love.”
From Dana
Kwantlen's program offers real world experience on major class assignments and as a result, I got to test drive industry segments before making a career commitment. By the time I left the program I'd made great contacts and leveraged what I learned about digital media to put me on the path to my current role as a tech writer and senior media analyst in San Francisco. The PR program gave me the confidence to openly discuss business strategy and trends and those discussions have been published in http://mashable.com/author/dana-oshiro/; http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/author/dana-oshiro-1.php; and http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2009/07/29/29readwriteweb-iphone-jailbreak-irony-apples-own-history-of-2646.html.
From Justinne
I'm proud to announce that I got a job offer from the Vancouver TheatreSports League as their new Promotions Coordinator. I spent my practicum hours with them earlier this year, and I'm really excited to be back. I am in charge of their fundraising, client relationships, and increasing revenues through promotional activities (for group bookings, rentals, events). I cannot thank you and the Kwantlen PR department enough for providing me with the knowledge and the skills to move on with my career. I hope everybody is doing well and that the PR students are enjoying the program as much as I did!
From Robin
In 1998, I graduated from Kwantlen University with a diploma in Journalism and Public Relations. Since then, I’ve honed my experience in public relations and communications while managing media, public relations and marketing communications for the BC Lottery Corporation, developing issues management strategies and enhancing customer satisfaction for Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, and implementing marketing communications initiatives for Starbucks Coffee Company. In 2010, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University to round out my education. I currently work as a senior consultant at Acumen Communications Group and teach public relations and strategic communications within the School of Business at British Columbia Institute of Technology. My education at Kwantlen gave me the foundation I needed to be a successful and sought after public relations practitioner.
From Rokhsan
The Kwantlen PR Program provided me with all the tools and confidence to chase my dream career in some of the world’s leading companies and climb higher than I could have ever imagined. After working at Electronic Arts as a PR Coordinator and then later a Publicist, I moved to 1-800-GOT-JUNK and assisted them with their Earth Day Campaign. I then moved to a marketing role at Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken, where I have been for the past 3 years, as a Brand Manager. The beauty of the PR Program at Kwantlen is that the hands-on approach to the field of Marketing and PR, and the layout of the courses, helped paint a very accurate picture of the PR and Marketing world. As my role at Nando’s has grown and evolved into a Marketing position, this has highlighted just how many different and wonderful opportunities lie ahead of any PR Student taking the program.
As Brand Manager, I wanted to find a way to support Kwantlen students. In doing that I came across the Endowment program at Kwantlen. I am happy to report that the Nando’s Endowment will be launched in late 2012.
From Judy
After a one-year contract with BC Centre for Disease Control following my graduation, it was time for a change and took the skills I learned from the Public Relations diploma program half way around the globe. I landed a job with Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Taipei as an Account Executive managing international corporate clients' PR activities in Taiwan. I eventually returned to Vancouver and recently accepted the Associate position with NATIONAL Public Relations, Canada's largest public relations firm with offices located across the country. There is never a dull moment working at NATIONAL Public Relations. One minute I would be on the phone pitching to the media and the next minute I would be running around in my heels hanging up banners and greeting reporters at an event. In between all this, I'm currently blogging for the Chinese edition of Vancouver Sun sharing fun and exciting events around town with Asian readers.
From Sophia
A quick online personality test pointed me to the field of Public Relations and led me to Kwantlen's outstanding PR Diploma Program. I quit my full-time job and decided to enroll right away. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Kwantlen provides both theory and practical communications and PR skills critical to becoming successful post-grad, including specialized PR writing, design, public speaking, event coordination, and crisis management. Its roster of instructors is comprised of experienced practitioners in the field.
After graduation, I landed a job with a Vancouver PR agency where I worked for three years, before dabbling in a bit of corporate communications at a post-secondary school. Currently, I freelance full-time and work with clients in the restaurant, lifestyle, travel, technology, and retail industries. People are sometimes afraid of becoming a solo practitioner, but setting up my own PR consulting business was definitely a lifestyle choice. It gives me freedom to choose my clients, network whenever possible, and flexibility in terms of schedule.
I always look back at Kwantlen’s teachings for guidance or say “What would Terri do?” Many of my past instructors had their own businesses, and gave great life advice and examples.
From Stephanie
Since graduating from Kwantlen’s PR diploma program back in 2008, I have had some amazing experiences working with organizations that truly inspire me. My professional experiences in the field of Public Relations have now lead me to the opportunity to work for a Social Media PR firm, tMedia (tmedia.com), working with renowned tech maven Tod Maffin. I am at the cusp of a new frontier in PR/Marketing working with tMedia, where we develop social media platforms for growing businesses and corporate companies alike. At tMedia, I’ve had the opportunity to be the project lead working with CityTV Breakfast Televison to tweet out exciting new segments for their shows, working with new social media platforms that are changing the face of Public Relations.
It’s been a whirlwind. And all this experience could not have come to play without my educational background in Public Relations from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. In the PR program, we were taught so many hands-on skills that provided us with the right tools to go out there and “play”. With the experience I now have in the industry, I’ve decided to go back to school and pursue my BA in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University. My diploma in Public Relations is directly transferable into third year studies at Royal Roads. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has the passion for Public Relations. It’s an exciting road and I’m only just beginning.
From Jen
I am now the Director of Marketing and Client Care for a Company called Los Cabos at Your Service. It is an online concierge company specializing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I really am having a great time and the trips to Cabo aren't bad either!! I love that I can do my job in the comfort of my office in Richmond. You have to love Technology!! Please have a look at my website www.lcays.com.
From Ben
I retired from full-time service in the Canadian Army in 2003, then completed Kwantlen's PR diploma program and the University of Victoria's PR certificate program before accepting a position with the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation as the National Program Coordinator for the Tetra Society of North America - www.tetrasociety.org. Tetra recruits skilled volunteers to design and manufacture custom assistive devices for people with disabilities; and my function, simply put, is to "grow" the organization outside B.C. In addition to my work with Tetra, I continue to serve as an Army reservist as Operations Officer of 12 Service Battalion in Richmond, and volunteer as the Brigade Communications and Public Information Officer for the B.C. and Yukon St. John Ambulance Brigade.
From Colleen
I'll be in Paris that week for meetings. Since leaving the program, I started Type A Public Relations and our focus is North American consumer products & services. We work with clients all over the world - as long as they have a consumer product and their target market is North America, they're our target. :) We are also part of an international consortium of public relations, communications & advertising people, and our annual meeting is in Paris in February.
From Cynnamon
I’m going to Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg on a business trip for London Drugs. I’ll be meeting with editors, store managers and researching further media opportunities there. I’ve been working on their health clinics through the pharmacy and been getting some good results with that. At the moment I’m also working on the Wellness Show which happens next weekend. I’ve been doing the publicity for that and so far it’s been going well.
From Joe
Hello PR comrades! It's great to see some of our grad updates and to know that we are out and about, successfully representing our great Kwantlen PR program. I am currently living in Montreal (such a vibrant and culturally rich city) working for Plumeus Inc. as the Marketing and Sales Manager. Really, I've been fortunate because I am working on the company’s public relations, marketing, online advertising, sales, business development, account management and even creative web strategy development.
From Amanda
After two years as the external communications co-ordinator at the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, I have recently accepted a new position. I am now the Manager of Marketing and Communications at the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA). Representing more than 70,000, the BCGA is the governing body of amateur golf in British Columbia and also functions for the benefit of all golfers in the province. The Association fosters and promotes the game of golf in British Columbia, preserves the traditions and history of the game, operates golf related activities which contribute resources to deliver and improve programs and provides a leadership role for golf in British Columbia. I think I'm going to go through a tremendous amount of sunscreen this year. I love my job!
From Karmen
I was hired out of my internship at Lush Plush Mixed Media Productions which is an event production company. Once my contract expired, I was scouted by a colleague of my then-boss to go work for Petrogen, which is an upstream energy company that produces Natural Gas in the Texas Gulf Coast (www.petrogencorp.com). My position is Manager of IR and I report directly to the VP of Corporate Development and Communications. I manage our ever-growing database of shareholders, communicate with them on a regular basis focusing on building relationships with them and encouraging them to hold their investment with Petrogen, taking incoming inquiries about the company (LOTS) and adding input to our ongoing awareness campaigns and promotional pieces. We are currently featured in the upcoming edition of Smartmoney Magazine.
From Mahafrine
I am an Assistant Consultant in Hill & Knowlton's Vancouver office. Since joining the agency last year, I have worked on a wide range of clients such as The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Don Docksteader Motors, Royal Canadian Mint, Labatt and CedarStone. My responsibilities mainly include research, media relations, writing and event support. My most recent client is Rivers Inlet Hakai Pass Salmon Enhancement Association. I am writing a position paper on the economic value of the Rivers Inlet fishing lodges business to Port Hardy and the District.
From Leah
Since graduating, I have taken the position as PR/Marketing Director for Mayne Island Resort and Beach Homes. I was fortunate to become involved in this project from day one because it has been one of the most exciting and educational experiences ever! I consider myself to be more a “project manager” because I am responsible for coordinating with all the stakeholders in the project including the designers, architects, realtors, buyers, investors, lawyers, etc.
From Trina
I started doing media relations and freelance writing from home. I charged $500/article and $30 - $50/hour for the media relations. I have coordinated five fundraising events in the past two years, including three events for PACE, and I am planning the Third Annual Exotic Dancers for Cancer to be held on February 26th at the Drake Showlounge from 4 p.m. till midnight. I also coordinated a conference for the BCCEW. Currently I am doing contract work for PACE Society – creating a newsletter, assessing their website, and planning a donor appreciation event. In March, I will be taking on a part-time position with PACE Society as their Organizational Development Coordinator – creating and distributing communications materials, and creating and building relationships with their donor community.
From Kelly
I landed permanently at Gwil Crane after two short term jobs; one at Rebus Creative and one at the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. At Gwil my title is Executive Assistant and Office Coordinator. The president is Chair of four associations, and we are conducting a major upgrade in our computer systems and organizational structure right now. I use the skills from Kwantlen's PR program every day, including to help my coworkers learn the new systems and to communicate the changes so that they flow smoothly. As an aside, I also write for Westcoast Families and Yummy Mummy and volunteer with the IABC Blue Wave Committee and the Taoist Tai Chi Society Promotions Committee.
From Margaret
I am now at Bosa Properties as the Customer Care Coordinator. I'm usually all over the place dealing with the public; working on sales sites; working on the constructions sites; or at the head office. I'm learning something new every day! Bosa is a leading real estate development company in BC, and also rated the number one concrete builder in BC. We won the Burnaby 2005 Business of the Year award and this year, we're up for the Georgie Awards nominated for several awards. The PR diploma program at KWC was agonizing at times but I look back now and I had a blast, especially in the Crisis Communications class!
From Jennifer
I am the Information Coordinator for the Arbutus Lands Visioning Process with James Hoggan and Associates. I have been working on the project for about a month now and it’s really exciting to be part of such a community oriented project. During the program and following graduation I gained experience working in the corporate world of PR at Telus and ICBC, and it has been so refreshing to work in an agency where things are done very differently (good different!). I am currently located downtown, which is great if you want an office with an amazing view, but not so great if you have a shopping problem (which I do!).
From Emilie
Since graduation, I have worked two contracts for the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. There I was involved with media relations and event planning for exhibitions. I recently started working as the Client Services Coordinator for Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Services. I work closely with the marketing department and have already found myself doing a lot of writing in the form of press releases, articles and ads etc. I am currently working on strategy for the Sun Run Healthy Hearts Training. In addition to my full time position, I have recently accepted a communications contract with the Caregivers Association of BC. I still remain actively involved in promoting the BC Wine Appreciation Society.
From Alexis
After working on several exciting contracts and events over the past few years, I've settled into a permanent position as Development Officer (fundraising) for the Douglas College Foundation. We have a fantastic fundraising team and are working on a ton of exciting projects over the next few years. We're especially excited about the $34 million dollar expansion to our Coquitlam campus, to be completed in 2008. I love my job! Fundraising for everything from Student Aid to multi-million dollar capital projects means no two days are ever the same.
From Valentina
After the PR program, I transferred to the BBA program at Kwantlen. I'm in my last term, and it's been a great experience, lots of real life experience, and lots of work. On the side, I have also done PR projects for different non-profits, and small clients. After I finish the program, I'm going to travel for a few months, and then I'm moving to Colombia to work for an international advertising agency.
From Shelley
After a short PR/Media Relations contract at the City of Surrey following my graduation in 2001, I was lucky to land a Communications position at the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation, where I have now been for nearly five years in a variety of Marketing/Communications roles. Last October, I completed my BA in Communications from Royal Roads University and was appointed to the position of Manager - Advertising, Promotions, and Collateral at the Foundation. In this role, I am responsible for the advertising and promotions for the annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion campaign and am managing all collateral/promotional requirements for the Foundation as a whole.
From Erin
I was extremely fortunate to move directly from my internship into a permanent position at the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation. As Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, my primary responsibility is handling all incoming requests for Rick Hansen, including print and broadcast media, TV programs, book publishers and other outside stakeholders. I research the opportunities and then make recommendations regarding Rick’s participation, always with the goal of ensuring that the Rick Hansen and Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation brand are positioned externally in a consistent and accurate fashion. I also work to build and maintain relationships with suitable target groups, in order to proactively place or engage the Rick Hansen brand where appropriate and prepare messaging and communications materials to support those initiatives.
