Sheridan PRCC Students Reflect on a Year of Challenges, Growth and Chaos Management

By Andrew Munday

“It’s probably the best step in the right direction I’ve made in a very long time.”

That’s how Sheridan student Nisha Chopra describes her decision to enter the post-graduate Public Relations-Corporate Communications (PRCC) program last fall.

Chopra is among 32 students who took that step this past year, all of whom are now on the cusp of graduation. But a lot happened between that first step and the big one on the horizon. The Sheridan PRCC 2016-2017 year was one that instilled students with new skills, challenged young professionals to overcome obstacles and encouraged strangers to form unforeseen friendships.

But what exactly is the PRCC program?

Streamlined Schooling

“It’s a fast-paced, comprehensive primer for professionals looking to enter the public relations – corporate communications industry,” says PRCC student Joel McCarthy.

That “primer” includes classes that cover the wide range of skills integral to a public relations professional. From writing to social media to design, the program provides students with an experience that will prepare them for a career in communications.

You’ll learn how to write with brevity, craft powerful key messages and use a wide array of design software.

But skills are only one piece of the PR puzzle.

An Extensive Experience

“We aren’t just a tactic-based program,” explains instructor Emily MacKenzie. “We push our students to connect the dots, to understand the big picture and to plan for the future.”

That future begins with the internship component of the program, in which students take on communications roles within organizations to improve their skills, network with specialists and obtain quality professional experience.

“I think the internship’s kind of the ‘final exam’ of this program,” says McCarthy. “If my skills are contributing in meaningful ways and I’ve gained the respect of my co-workers, I’d consider that passing with flying colours.”

And, while the comprehensiveness of this program may seem daunting, the class of 2017 discovered a number of ways to overcome the challenges of post-graduate life.

Managing the Madness

For some, it’s simply a matter of managing time and staying focused.

“Chip away at the assignments as they come, and they will be a lot easier for you,” says McCarthy. “Don’t overwhelm yourself by looking too far ahead.”

Creating a “to do” list and taking on assignments one at a time will help you to create order out of the chaos.

For others, a network of confidantes and a willingness to speak up are the keys to surviving the stress of student life.

“Find your friends. They will be your biggest support system,” says Chopra. “And talk to your teachers, even if you think it’ll make you look like a keener.”

If the class of 2017 is any indication, you’ll find plenty of cooperative and supportive classmates and instructors that will be eager to help you navigate the hurdles of post-grad stress.

From Stress to Success

This year wasn’t just about challenges; it was about overcoming them as well. The question is, what does “success” mean in this program?

To MacKenzie, it means opening your mind and seeing issues from different perspectives. “Success is about being willing to understand other people. You need to understand your audience to speak to them.”

If you’re willing to listen to your fellow group members, learn new concepts and challenge your own preconceptions, you’ll be able to work within teams, adapt to new environments and embrace new ideas.

To Chopra, though, it’s much simpler than all that. “Success to me is just growing from who you were when you started.”

And the class of 2017 has definitely done that. From fall to spring, the students of Sheridan PRCC have honed their communication skills, overcome challenges and achieved goals both academic and personal.

Alumni Advice

As this group of PRCC students prepares to launch their communications careers and show the PR world what they’ve learned, what words of wisdom do they have for next year’s PRCC superstars?

“Speak up and make connections,” says McCarthy. “That’s what PR and communications are all about.”

Be willing to make your voice heard.

Have the courage to forge bonds with your classmates.

When the year is over, you won’t regret the fact that you shared too many ideas or made too many friends. Rather, like the class of 2017, you’ll reflect fondly on the insights you offered and the relationships you’ve built.

So, welcome, class of 2018. You’ve taken the first step.

Now enjoy the journey.