Conestoga's public relations education will achieve two significant milestones this year: the first class to complete the four-year Bachelor of Public Relations degree program from start to finish, as well as the first student from that program to earn a full scholarship to a university graduate program.
In September, Alex Rodgers will begin her studies in the Master of Arts Communication Studies and Multimedia program at McMaster University. She has been awarded a $15,000 Ontario Graduate Scholarship based on her outstanding work at Conestoga, and her studies will also include a paid teaching assistant position.
Before coming to Conestoga, Alex spent a year at university, but decided she wanted a degree program that was more personal and career-focused. After careful research, she picked what was at the time a brand new degree program in public relations at Conestoga, the first degree program of its kind in Ontario.
Alex says what she has enjoyed the most in the program is the two co-op work terms. “I’ve found that those have really allowed me to take what I’ve learned in the classroom into the workplace: that’s given me something students in other programs might not have,” she said.
Alex also has high praise for the program faculty, who she describes as "absolutely outstanding. They always want us to succeed. They’re always trying to help us and they have absolutely fantastic professional experience. ”
Professor Paula Barrett describes Alex as “an ambitious student with a drive to succeed. She has a natural curiosity and an impeccable work ethic."
According to Professor Bernard Gauthier, “Alex brings a natural curiosity to her studies and was always among the first to ask smart questions as new material was presented.”
The Bachelor of Public Relations program was launched at Conestoga College in 2011. The four-year program provides graduates with both the critical thinking skills and the practical experience required to manage reputation, responses and relationships on behalf of organizations.
The first two years of the program emphasize the attainment of foundational public relations knowledge. The last two years provide more in-depth education in the management and practice-related areas of public relations. Two co-op terms allow students to apply their knowledge and skill in a workplace setting.
There are still spaces available for Fall 2105 enrolment. For more information, visit the program website.