POSTED ON: Sunday, 5th April 2009 (14 COMMENTS)

Blogs - Something Bright and Positive

There is always an upside to every down and it has recently struck me how industry bodies, such as PACE and CIPR have helped competitors to become good friends. In the last fortnight I have spoken to four PR heads and we have all exchanged good advice, best practice and even provided practical help.

Maintaining good contacts with professional peers is worthwhile at any time, but with changes happening on a daily basis, these links are incredibly valuable. This goodwill made me think I need less ʻme timeʼ and more ʻmentoring timeʼ. In other words, making space to help young executives and support students who will find it tough to get onto their chosen career ladder this year.

Working with positive, young people is always uplifting. They see new angles, have inspired thoughts and are willing to explore new approaches that often make campaigns come to life and work on different levels.

I remember everyone I met or talked to at the early stages when I started in public relations and the impact they had on me.  I also remember the managing directors who bothered to write back or respond and the ones that did not which influenced my perception of them once working in the sector.

For the past eight years, I have been fortunate to be involved with Birmingham City Universityʼs Public Relations Degree course. I, along with eight other PR practitioners working in-house and consultancy meet as a panel on a volunteer basis and have helped the course, lecturer and students forge stronger links with the public relations industry.

We have great fun meeting the students to discuss their final year projects at the summer show and enjoy being asked our thoughts on the relevance of the course and whether the assignments are practical. The experience has made me appreciate the need to harness the vast experience we

have in the region through people who have long careers and can add value to helping with contacts or offer a reality check. Pete Wilby, Senior Lecturer and Public Relations Leader, has worked hard to maintain industry links to widen student horizons and improve the placement opportunities. Two years ago he set up a mentor scheme where individual students were matched with practitioners, who met on an informal basis. Some of the mentors were relatively new into their careers and could provide inspiration and tips on what had worked for them.

My experience confirms that most senior professionals are willing, only too pleased and flattered to be asked or involved. For me the mentoring moments do become ʻme timeʼ as they are a way to see value in what you do and gain a sense of perspective on things. The more we contribute to helping and supporting the creative sector the better. It is the right time to think how we can individually and through our professional bodies, open up more channels.

Julia Willoughby, Chief Executive of Willoughby Public Relations

POSTED BY:

14 spam comments hidden