March 2014

This article was written by Priyanka Jain, a Ryerson Journalism graduate, current Seneca College student and ACE Awards Committee volunteer.

Only a year after completing Centennial College’s public relations post-graduate program, Hannah Sunderani is already at leading public relations agency Edelman. Sunderani won the CPRS Student of The Year Award at last year’s ACE Awards Gala and through this, managed to connect with industry professionals and become a recognized face.

Sunderani applied for the CPRS award after her professor sent out an e-mail letting students know about the award up for grabs. Sunderani decided to apply, highlighting her personal health and wellness blog and Project Fusion, a student group at Centennial that served as an idea-generating pool for ways to be involved in public issues, taking a more creative approach. Sunderani’s blog Happy Tummy Healthy Body is a food blog that promotes healthy eating and overall wellness. This experience, along with having spent one year in the United Kingdom doing public relations/communications for an alternative healing practice, all contributed to Sunderani earning the title of CPRS Student of The Year .

As her final semester neared at Centennial last year, it was time to start thinking about co-op placements and the different sectors students could work in. Sunderani’s heart was always set on either the not-for-profit sector or hospitals, so she applied and got her placement at Sick Kids Hospital. There, Sunderani had a valuable and beneficial co-op experience and was passionate about the work she contributed to during her time at Sick Kids. Sunderani recommends that all students go through co-op, as it serves as a great transition from the academic environment to the working world. “The whole process is an incredible experience. School can only take you so far,” Sunderani said.

Following her internship at Sick Kids, Sunderani realized that what she loved most about public relations was the fast-paced environment and the constant challenges and learning that come as part of the industry experience. This led her to look into agency PR, knowing that the nature of agency is to constantly be thinking on your feet and ready for anything. This appealed to Sunderani, and after reaching out to a few contacts she had made at the gala, and a few interviews later, she landed an internship with Edelman in the healthcare department. “The awards ceremony really opened a ton of doors,” said Sunderani.

So, what’s next for Sunderani? She has since been hired on full-time at Edelman and is excited to have the best of both worlds- working in an agency environment, with her passion for healthcare as a focus. “I really just want to learn from everyone at my agency because there are a ton of knowledgeable people and I still have so much to learn.”

Sunderani encourages all new graduates and aspiring public relations professionals to put in their best efforts and let their talent and abilities shine. “I can never say you’re completely prepared for anything,” explains Sunderani, “But never be fearful of anything because you will surprise yourself with the things you can do.”

CPRS Toronto is pleased to congratulate Tom Ormsby, APR on becoming one of Canada’s newest accredited in public relations (APR) professionals! This year, the APR designation is celebrating 50 years as a credential recognizing professional excellence. Tom has succeeded in demonstrating that he has the experience and knowledge required to be a leader in the public relations profession. Congratulations to Tom on his achievement!

Thinking about pursuing your APR designation? Want to demonstrate your high level of knowledge, skills and ability in your field?

Eligible candidates must be CPRS members in good standing, have been employed in public relations for at least five years and spend at least half of professional time in public relations.

If you are interested in applying for your APR or would like more information, click here.

B.C. Forbes, founder of Forbes magazine once said, “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in
the spring, who reaps a harvest in the autumn.”

The excitement of spring – especially after the winter we have had – makes the extra effort gardeners
spend preparing their gardens a little less strenuous.

Spring isn’t only exciting for budding gardeners. Students are applying now to attend courses in the fall. Baseball players are at spring training, dreaming of winning the World Series in October.

It is sometimes hard to plan today for events in the fall, but now is the time to think about applying
for your APR, taking on a larger role with CPRS Toronto, and planning for your future.

Over the coming weeks, CPRS has a career workshop, a mini-conference and PD events to help you plant the seeds for your success. You can learn best practices from ACE Award winners and attend the national conference in Banff in May. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities and let us know what else you would like us to provide. We are here to serve you, our members.

Maryjane Martin
President, CPRS Toronto