Hi all,
Over the past months I've had the opportunity to project manage an awards ceremoy for an advertising competition hosted by a government office. There has been alot of ground work to do with the competition and awards part of the event (things that would not normally be encountered at a run-of-the-mill conference). From counting entries, notifying winners to organising the design of presentations and signage and choosing menus; it has all been thoroughly enjoyable.
I'd like to note how many people and organisations can be involved in structuring such a low key event. Amongst the many involved were the out of house catering, audiovisual team, designers, printers, a picture framer, dozens of couriers, guest speakers, journalists, venue managers and many more. This wasn't including our staff who's job was to manage everyone involved and ensure everyone is doing the right thing and the right time. From this I've concluded that perhaps the human resources management aspect of PR is underestimated.
I commend Curtin Universities PR course and everything that it has taught me, but on reflection I really do think that some more people management skills would be incredibly useful for us soon-to-be-graduates. Perhaps it's just another skill that is meant to be picked up on the job? What do you think? With event management being one of the many desireable aspects of PR for graduates, we need all the skills we can get. Perhaps co-ordinating human resources is something that we have all learnt through working in groups on assignments?
Everyone is welcome to comment, but I'd like to hear from some BA Mass Communication students who haven't had the opportunity to complete any mangement or HR business school units. So please, RSVP!
Tobias (Bentley campus)
4 comments:
I totally agree! I am studying Mass Comm and majored in journalism and PR so have not taken any other business units. It would be helpful to discuss HR more in class in relation to events management as I think it is definitely up there on a lot of people's PR wish lists of areas to work in, I know it is on mine.
I am currently working on a small event in my prac as well, so I know what you mean about all the external factors and extra people you have to deal with!
Another thing I have noticed is that often the small things is what takes the most time! Multi-tasking and not being afraid to delegate jobs is something I have learnt, as well as being willing to pick up the slack if something needs to be done - random jobs like making a sign for the toilets/parking, confirming deliveries etc. I am an expert in those little things now :)
Even with our small event there is still so much to consider, and like you said, people to manage!
You are raising some very valid - and important - points here, Tobias. I couldn't agree with you more. I guess we are aiming to cover the human relations and 'people management' side of things with group work - but of course that's not always effective. I would argue that this falls under "professional skills" - our 9th graduate attribute.
However, I am keen to hear if you - or in fact anyone else - has any alternative suggestions how 'people skills' can be taught more effectively! Please feel free to submit your feedback either here or send it directly to me. Any ideas will be very welcome.
On this issue: I am currently working on an additional Orientation Session/ workshop for onshore placement students in cooperation with Careers@Curtin, focused on 'professional skills' - equally, I am keen to hear your feedback. Is this a good idea? Is this something you would have been interested in attending? Are there any specific things that should be covered in a session like this?
I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on this!
Thanks for the feedback Ellie and Katharina.
Katharina - I think that the orientation session is a great idea and would love to participate! Though I personally think that if possible, this learning area should (one day) be a compulsary part of the PR coursework (perhaps within another unit - it could be something that broadens the events topic in techniques 200 or perhaps a new unit all together?)
Please keep me posted on this as I would like to participate in such an event.
Tobias (Bentley Campus)
It's great to hear that you are supportive of this idea, Tobias. I am meeting with our Careers@Curtin rep next week to discuss this workshop/session further. However, I'd be very interested to hear about any suggestions you - or in fact any other student on this forum - may have in regards to topics and key areas that should be covered.
I look forward to your suggestions!
PS: please note that newly enrolled Commerce students will now have to complete a 'Business Communications' unit at part of their 'common core' - I am hoping that some of the basics are thereby covered in year one
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