Yearly Archives :

2015

Networking Tips for Introverted Individuals

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The public relations industry is generally made up of outgoing, personable and confident individuals. Standing out from a crowd of these types of personalities can be difficult, especially if you consider yourself an introvert.

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Here are some tips that can help battle your shyness and nerves, making it easier to make new connections and polish your networking skills.

Before the Event:

  • Research the event as well as the professional who may be speaking that night or attending the event – if you have access to the guest list.
  • Dress in business attire but make sure you feel comfortable with what you are wearing. Not only do you want to look professional but you also want to feel confident in your outfit.
  • Look up recent news stories that you can refer to and discuss in conversation. This will display you as informed and provide you with a topic to fill any lulls in the conversation.

During the Event:

  • Once you arrive, search for a familiar face. Networking is daunting when you are alone so finding someone you know will help put you at ease and they may also introduce you to key individuals at the event.
  • Make the most of your time at the event. You’ve made it this far so if you don’t know anyone at all, try introducing yourself to at least one person and go from there.
  • Hand out your business cards. Business cards are helpful to identify who you are and will also set you a part if you are a student.

After the Event:

  • The following day, reach out to those you made connections with through social media. Follow them on Twitter and connect with them on LinkedIn.
  • Pro Tip: When you send out the invitation to connect on LinkedIn, personalize the default message. Mention how you were happy to have met them and be sure to recall something you discussed during your conversation with them. This builds credible, meaningful and professional relationships.
  • Plan for the next event you are attending. Go to as many as you can because soon enough you will be one of those familiar faces.

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, networking is an important part of a PR student’s professional development.  A great way to start is by attending the upcoming events CPRS Toronto is hosting where PR professionals and students are invited to learn from one another and make valuable connections. (Click here to see a list of upcoming networking events).

Charzie Abendanio is the CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee President and is in her last year at Humber College’s Bachelors of Public Relations Program.

 

 

2015 Ruth Hammond Scholarship Winner Announced

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 Communications +   Public Relations Foundation

2015 Ruth Hammond Scholarship Winner Announced

Toronto, November 9, 2015……. Katherine Baird, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is the 2015 winner of the $1,000 Ruth Hammond Scholarship, awarded annually to a public relations student in his/her final year of the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Mount Saint Vincent University (The Mount), Halifax. She has been on the Dean’s List since 2013. She was nominated for the 2014 Co-Op Student of the Year by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

The Ruth Hammond Scholarship was established by Hammond’s friends and colleagues in the Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto) to honour her lifetime commitment to public relations education in Canada. The Scholarship recognizes a student who has completed at least two public relations co-op work terms and who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership abilities and dedication to establishing a career in the public relations field.

Baird’s first public relations co-op placement in 2014 was with Public Works and Government Services Canada, Halifax, where she maintained and edited its intranet site, developing content and creating visuals as well as distributing the weekly electronic newsletter. She was also involved in event planning, photography and the development of communications plans for a variety of programs and initiatives.

Her second co-op placement, completed in May 2015, was with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) PEI & Tourism, Charlottetown. There she planned, organized and implemented Ministerial events including the funding announcements for various projects. She wrote media relations materials, provided copy for the intranet site, created and distributed weekly newsletters as well as working with the Wellness Committee where she developed a quarterly newsletter including research, writing, editing and design.

“Katherine was a productive member of our communications team, demonstrating abilities that will make her a valued asset within any organization who hires her,” said Christopher Brooks, Acting Director, Communications, ACOA PEI & Tourism.

Baird has also worked part-time at the Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC), a research centre at the Mount, where she assisted with social media promotion, copy editing, web site management and development of a variety of communications materials. She is currently completing her final co-op placement at the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, where she is responsible for communications planning, social media, event planning and media relations.

She is a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society.

Recognized as a leader in distance and experiential learning, and based on a strong tradition of social responsibility, Mount Saint Vincent University takes a personalized approach to education to nurture socially responsible global citizens. Founded in 1873, the Mount has been nationally recognized for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios, for providing students early access to valuable research opportunities, for its legacy in the advancement of women, and for facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, and childhood development.

The Ruth Hammond Scholarship funds are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations education initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Executive Director, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone 416 242-6146, or e-mail b.sheffield@rogers.com.

 

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Contact:

Steve Crombie

(604) 982-2451

steve.crombie@icbc.com

 

Barbara Sheffield, APR, FCPRS

(416) 242-6146 or (416) 557-3858

b.sheffield@rogers.com

Ashley Haraburda Wins the David Milliken Media Communications Award

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Ashley Haraburda Wins the

David Milliken Media Communications Award

 

Toronto, November 18, 2015…. Ashley Haraburda, a fourth year Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) student at Humber College, Toronto, is the winner of the second $1,000 David Milliken Media Communications Award. Established by CNW to celebrate senior vice-president Milliken’s thirty years’ service to the company, the Award recognizes his commitment to the important relationship between journalism and public relations. Milliken served as chair of the BPR development committee at Humber.

“It is an honour to present this award to Ashley, an exceptional student who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of best practices in media relations,” said Nicole Guillot, CNW president and CEO.

Haraburda completed her internship with the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) where she worked on communications and events. She focused her 750-word submission to the award competition on educating journalists about the appropriate way to refer to the Deaf and hard of hearing. She applied what she learned to the development of a social media strategy promoting campaigns using a number of social media channels. She highlighted, through a special event that connected guests through social media, technologies that have broken down barriers to re-connect Deaf and hard of hearing individuals with the world around them.

The jury, comprising both journalists and senior public relations practitioners, was impressed with the depth of Haraburda’s understanding of her role in facilitating media stories that demonstrated not only respect for her community but also education around important issues.

According to Marie-Lauren Gregoire, Communications Manager at the Canadian Hearing Society, “A very professional communicator, Ashley was able to guide our organization’s growth on social media and multiple channels. It is increasingly important for us to increase participation and audience engagement on social media.”

Dr. Gordon McIvor, Chair of the award jury this year, said that “While all of the submissions were of high quality, Haraburda’s was creative, well written and clearly demonstrated her understanding of the important relationship that must be established between PR professionals and members of the media, including influencers on social media sites”.

In addition to her 2015 CHS intern placement, Haraburda also served in 2014 as a public relations co-ordinator with CDS Studios, Toronto, where  she developed strategic social media plans from ideation through execution    to measurement.

The David Milliken Media Communications Award funds are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations educational initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Executive Director, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone 416 242-6146, or e-mail foundation@prmediaconnection.com.

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Contact:                                                                           November 18, 2015

Barbara Sheffield, APR, FCPRS

(416) 242-6146

foundation@prmediaconnection.com

Note to Media:   A photo of Haraburda is available by contacting the Foundation.

Mix & Mingle: Chat, Connect and Enjoy

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Networking with your classmates and other Toronto PR programs is essential to a student’s professional development, and the Student Steering Committee (SSC) was able to provide that opportunity with a Mix & Mingle event on November 18. The SSC was joined by Humber, Seneca, Centennial, Durham and Ryerson students at Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar in Yorkville, where we had a chance to meet and chat with these aspiring PR practitioners over drinks and appetizers.

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It is that time of the year when public relations students are busy with major projects and exams and it was amazing to have the chance to let our hair down and meet other students from PR programs all over the GTA. Young professionals and previous members of the SSC also attended the event and provided students a look into their budding PR careers.

The event allowed us to hear other students’ stories and compare experiences from both in and outside of the classroom. The chance to speak with young professionals was invaluable and students received useful advice about internships and how to set themselves apart in the industry.

The SSC would like to thank all those who were able to come out and would love to invite everyone once again to the next Mix & Mingle in January!

To find out more about CPRS Toronto’s SSC and to keep up-to-date with our events check out our Facebook page: Facebook.com/CPRSTorontoStudents.

Mix and Mingle - Terrence, Charzie, Tysha

Written by: Ferdinand Ngo, CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee Representative for Humber College’s Bachelor of Public Relations program.

 

 

Five Must-Read Books to Improve Your Networking Skills

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As public relations and communications students, strategic networking is a skill we must all one day master. Though by no means have I achieved the status of “Networking Ninja”, I have started to apply many simple networking tips from five insightful authors. With these books, mastering networking will be within your reach!

  1. How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

Book 1

By far the most well-known book about networking, Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People was first published in 1936. It’s a bestseller that is inarguably filled with excellent networking advice that has led millions to success.

Carnegie highlights six ways to make people like you (smile, be a good listener, and remember their name, to give a few), as well as twelve ways to convince other people to adapt your opinion or way of thinking (i.e. show respect and admit when you’re wrong).

This book is perfect for you if want to become a social influencer, would like to improve your leadership abilities, or if you simply appreciate hearing timeless advice in a constantly-changing industry.

 

 

  1. Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, James H. Fowler and Nicholas A. Christakis

Book 2

If you’ve ever conducted a job search, you know that finding employment often seems to be less about who you are, but who you know. Everyone knows that building a professional network is important, but what about other networks? Friends and family, friends of friends, and friends of family…how do they fit in?

In Connected, Fowler and Christakis explore and respond to this very question. The authors present “Five Rules of Life in the Network” to help readers understand how their network develops and how its transformations affect them. Fowler and Christakis also emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with high value people and ending connections with people who distract you from accomplishing your own goals.

You need to read this book if you want tips on how to strategically build your personal and professional networks, and then learn how to leverage these connections to help achieve your goals.

  1. Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi

Book 3

In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi presents the steps he uses every day to help connect with the most powerful players in any industry. His networking tips are based on the principles of helpfulness and generosity and Ferrazzi thinks very poorly of networking that does not primarily involve building a strong relationship.

Among his most important tips, Ferrazzi emphasizes reaching out to your network all the time – not just when you need something from them. He also suggests making sure a relationship is mutually beneficial. Consider: what do you have to offer your new contact? It could be something as simple as a good book recommendation! He teaches these lessons using a collection of networking advice from celebrities and famous social influencers.

Interestingly, Ferrazzi recently launched an online guide to building your network on Udemy, a popular e-learning platform. The networking course costs $79.00, but will pay for itself as your career blossoms.

Never Eat Alone is a must-read for you if you want to appear more confident at networking events, or wish that you could command attention in a crowded room of industry leaders.

  1. Social Intelligence,Daniel Goleman

Book 4

In Social Intelligence, Goleman presents a scientific approach to networking. Studying the principles of neuroscience and biology, he suggests that the human brain is wired to impact the brain and biology of whomever you are interacting with.

Encounters with family, friends, bosses, colleagues and strangers all create different emotional reactions within a person. For example, a strong and positive emotional connection has ripple effects from your brain throughout your body. Conversely, stressful and negative encounters have toxic effects on your biology.

Though not focussed specifically on networking or the public relations industry, Social Intelligence is an excellent read for those interested in learning more about what happens neurologically when you shake someone’s hand, meet your boss for the first time, when you lie or are lied to. Becoming more aware of human nature will help improve your methods of interacting with others.

  1. The Charisma Myth, Olivia Fox Cabane

Book 5

When you attend PR events and start networking with practitioners, or even with other students, one of the things that will make you stand out from the crowd is your charisma.

Cabane believes that the idea that a person is born either with or without the gift of charisma is a myth. She destroys this myth and teaches readers how to become more charismatic.

Ultimately, enhancing your charisma doesn’t mean changing who you are, but using your own personality and the basic components of charisma described by Cabane to become a more influential and more persuasive networker.

 

 

 

There are my must-reads to improve networking! This list is certainly not exhaustive – please comment below if you’ve read another book that has helped you become a more successful networker. I’d love to hear from you!

Erika Manassis is the CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee Representative for Seneca College’s Corporate Communications Certificate Program.

 

 

LinkedIn: Do’s and Don’ts for Emerging PR Professionals

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In a world of ever-multiplying social media platforms the thought of navigating LinkedIn, a platform that is so closely related to your career development, can seem daunting at first. And when I say this, I mean I personally find it daunting, and I thought creating this blog will help those who feel the same way.

With over 300 million members, LinkedIn seeks to manage your professional identity, build and engage with your professional network and access knowledge, insights and opportunities. In an attempt to a. develop my own account, and b. produce my second post on this blog, I sought out advice from professionals on what to do and, almost more importantly, what not to do for LinkedIn newcomers. Here’s what I found:

DO: proofread obsessively! This should go without saying, and although it applies to everyone using the service, it is especially important for emerging PR professionals. As we’re all aware, strong writing abilities is one of the most important skills in public relations. If your profile contains spelling and grammatical errors, those reviewing your information will take note and perhaps come to the conclusion that PR is not right for you.

DON’T: build a network only for the glory of boasting “500+ connections”. Quality over quantity is a cliché that applies here. It is tempting to want to connect, connect, connect and to create the illusion of being well established but please resist the urge. Meaningful connections are with people who actually know who you are and can speak, even briefly, to your positive, work-related attributes and will serve you best in the long-term.

DO: ensure you have a professional photo to complete your page. Keep in mind that professional doesn’t necessarily equate to a studio experience complete with a wind machine and professional retouching. No. We’re talking a good quality photo (realistically, the camera on your smart phone will probably do) in business casual attire, showing slightly-below the shoulders and above, which features you smiling in front of a plain background.

DON’T: underestimate the power of entry to mid-level connections. LinkedIn users are often tempted to send connection requests to hiring managers at companies they are interested in. This can often backfire if the connection isn’t “meaningful” and subsequently come off as insincere. Ensuring you maintain connections with those you met in your PR program, or at CPRS Toronto events throughout the year including our upcoming Mix and Mingle event, can be very powerful. Remember, the world PR is constant and ever-changing and you never know when a former classmate is going to end up at your dream agency.

Straight-forward, but it was enough to get me up and running! I’d love to hear any LinkedIn tips or tricks in the comments section below. Happy networking, everyone!

Jamie Jensen is the CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee Representative for Ryerson University’s Public Relations Certificate.

CPRS Toronto Board of Directors Meeting Snapshots

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Welcome to the first update about the monthly CPRS Toronto Board of Directors meetings. I am delighted to be returning as Board Secretary for 2015-16!  At this past summer’s strategic planning retreat I committed to enhancing transparency processes so that CPRS Toronto members would have insight about Board business and discussion and increased ownership of how their society is governed.  Each month I will share with you high-level points of what was discussed during the meeting.

Danielle Kelly, APR

Secretary, 2015-16 CPRS Toronto Board of Directors

Snapshot: October 26, 2015 Meeting

  • The Board confirmed portfolio appointments for the 2015-16 term and conferred about high-level objectives for each portfolio;
  • The Board discussed portfolio budget requirements/forecasts;
  • CPRS National shared a Global Alliance conference planning status update with the Board;
  • Next meeting: Monday, November 16, 2015, 6:00 p.m.

Snapshot: November 16, 2015 Meeting

  • Erica Silver and Jenny Shin be elected to the Board for the year 2015/2016;
  • The Board received an update from CPRS National about the Global Alliance  WPRF 2016 Conference;
  • Next meeting: Monday, January 18, 2016

*NO MEETING DECEMBER 2015*

Snapshot: January 18, 2016 Meeting 

  • Erica Silver, APR has assumed the Volunteer Portfolio and Jenny Shin has assumed the PD Portfolio;
  • 2015-2016 budget to be accepted as revised;
  • Board members to convene a sub-committee to explore hosting a post-conference reception/event during the Global Alliance WPF 2016 Conference.
    • Sub-committee members are Maryjane Martin, APR, FCPRS, LM, Danielle Kelly, APR and Erica Silver, APR
  • Next meeting: Monday, February 8, 2016

Snapshot: February 8, 2016 Meeting

  • Final budget was circulated to the Board for reference
  • Board members voted to admit 2 members for lifetime members in CPRS
  • WPRF sub-committee delivered a report to the board with a recommendation for venues and a budget breakdown for the CPRS Toronto hosted event.
  • Next meeting: March 21, 2016

Snapshot: March 21, 2016 Meeting

  • The Toronto Society Board of Directors voted to join the National Society and other member societies in a group insurance plan for D&O and Business Liability Insurance. This move will result in significant cost savings.
  • Board members voted YES to a motion to add HST to revenue generating items
  • Next meeting: April 18, 2016

Passport to PR: Opening Doors for Aspiring PR Practitioners

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If attending this event isn’t on your to-do list, you should definitely add it.  The positive real life discussions helped reinforce my decision about whether or not a public relations career is right for me.

I had the opportunity to visit and learn from the communications professionals of three very different organizations: Veritas Communications, Google Canada and the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

Each organization demonstrated unique approaches to public relations and provided specific examples of what they did for their clients/organization.

At Veritas, the team discussed how they helped launch Target’s entrance into the Canadian market. The presentation allowed us to hear firsthand the challenges and successes that were encountered. The demanding yet exciting environment is exactly why agencies appeals to many aspiring PR professionals. This type of organization seems to keep you on your toes with no day similar to another.

Google’s Alexandra Hunnings, gave a very powerful presentation. Alexandra spoke freely in an informal conversation about the world of PR through the eyes of Google, which was truly amazing and inspiring to hear. Three key takeaways were Nurture, Own and Follow Through. My visit to Google taught me that not everyone is going to be good at everything but identifying your strengths and weaknesses will help mould you into successful communicator.

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Matthew Kofsky, from Toronto Region Board of Trade, spoke to us about the importance of getting experience. Specifically, not just experience to land a job, but rather experience that will help you grow as an individual and help you to become a better person in all aspects of life.

This was my second year participating in Passport to PR and it gets better every year. This event allows students to meet industry professionals who give great insight into their organization and productive career advice. Additionally, participants can learn what its like to work in public relations outside of the classroom. After completing one session after the other you feel inspired, motivated and excited to tackle and succeed as a public relations professional.

The CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee will be holding another Passport to PR event will be held in March 2016. Hope to see all of you there!

By: Tysha Campbell, CPRS Student Steering Committee student representative for Centennial College’s Bachelor of Public Relations Management program.

CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee Profile: Centennial

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Get to know our 2015/2016 student representatives from Centennial College’s three public relations programs.

 

 Tysha

Tysha Campbell
Centennial College, Bachelor of Public Relations Management

Hi, I’m Tysha. I currently live in Oshawa, Ontario and commute three days a week to school. This is my second year volunteering with the committee and I am looking forward to the networking opportunities this year has to offer.

What are you most excited for this year?
This year I am most excited for Building Media Relationships event and hopefully meeting and making some new connections with the media.

What do you do outside of school?
I am currently volunteering with Pride Toronto on the accessibility team, and I am so excited and happy to be working with such a great organization.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:
I’ve taken a road trip to Belize! Took us six days but we finally made it!

Connect with Tysha:

Twitter: @tyshaax_

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/pub/tysha-campbell/a4/40a/131

 

 Sarah


Sarah Rogers 

Centennial College, Graduate Certificate in Public Relations (Story Arts Centre)

Hello! My name is Sarah and I’ll be representing the postgraduate certificate program at Centennial College, Toronto. I’ll be honest, when applying for the program I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. However, after these first few weeks of classes I’m certain I’ve landed in the perfect place!

What are you most excited for this year?

Along with being introduced to the diversity of the PR industry, I’m really excited to be part of the CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee. The events that CPRS Toronto holds are truly amazing, and it sounds like this year they’ll be bigger and better.

What do you do outside of school?

Other than school I like to be outdoors, hiking and biking. When time (and money) allows I also like to travel.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

I went on a trip to Southeast Asia a few years back, and ended up staying for three years!

Connect with Sarah:

Twitter: @slrogers6

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/slrogers6

 

Sophiti Johnson
Centennial College, Post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations (Pickering)

Hello everyone. I am currently enrolled in the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Certificate at the Pickering Learning Site of Centennial College.

What are you most excited for this year?

I am most excited for the year to end. I know it sounds bad, but hear me out. By the end of this year, I will have gained practical experience from both my program and from the working with the SSC. These experiences will equip me with the skills needed to enter the workforce and build my own brand. So yes, I cannot wait for it to end, because it means I have completed a crucial point in my learning, and I am well on my way to beginning an exciting career.

What do you do outside of school?

I work part time at a music studio as a receptionist. I am also on the board for a pageant and I am working on starting my own lifestyle blog. I also volunteer with organizations like the Canadian Liver Foundation.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

I am a fighter. This is my mantra at the moment. No matter what is thrown at me or despite the obstacles in my path, I will find a way to keep moving, keep pushing, and keep surviving.

Connect with Sophiti:

Twitter: @SophiRJ

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/sophitijohnson

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Congratulations and welcome to all our 2015/2016 Student Steering Committee representatives.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @CPRSStudents

CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee Profile: Humber

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Get to know our 2015/2016 student representatives from Humber College’s three public relations programs.

Tomiko 

Tomiko Stanton

Humber College, Advanced Diploma in Public Relations

Hi Everyone! My name is Tomiko Stanton and I’m representing the Humber College Public Relations Advanced Diploma program. This is my first year in both the Public Relations program and working with CPRS. After obtaining a first-hand experience in working in the entertainment industry, I decided that Public Relations was the career that intrigued my interest the most.

What are you most excited for this year?

As a student representative this year, I am looking forward to networking with future PR professionals. I’ve also met a lot of great PR students at Humber College, and I’m very excited to get them involved in the upcoming events.

What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I’m a part-time employee at TOPSHOP/ TOPMAN. You’ll also find me on a stage in the city either singing, or modeling for a company clothing line. I love writing songs, reading books and cooking.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

Before I started school last month, I was working at G98.7 FM as the administrative/promotions assistant. I was an intern for 8 months before I was promoted to a full time position.

Connect with Tomiko:

Twitter: @_TomikoStanton

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/pub/tomiko-stanton/71/589/7b9

 

 

Bianca

Bianca Jimeno
Humber College, Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations

Hi fellow CPRS members, my name is Bianca. I’m a new face to the industry as a Humber post-grad PR student. After working in the news industry for five years, I left to pursue a career in public relations. Why? Because at the most basic level, I live to tell stories. I love to learn about people. PR opens a whole world to me.

What are you most excited for this year?

I’m most excited to try new things, maybe even fail at a couple things. Sometimes that’s the best way to learn. That way I can find out my strengths and weaknesses and work on them. I like a challenge so I’m up for anything and down for everything.

What do you do outside of school?

Crunch through the fall leaves with my dog Toast. Try out a new recipe. Catch a movie. Take a nap. Borrow a book. Daydream. Drink coffee. Whistle. Make jokes. Look at things. Ask questions.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

I potty-trained myself when I was 2 years old (I was in California during a heatwave and it was simply too hot to wear a diaper). I think this speaks to my ability to put on my big girl panties and adapt to my environment.

Connect with Bianca:

Twitter: @bjjimeno

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/biancajimeno

 

 

Ferdinand

Ferdinand Ngo
Humber College, Bachelor of Public Relations

My name is Ferdinand Ngo and I am the SSC section representative for the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Humber College.  This is my second year being involved with CPRS as a section rep (I was a section rep in 2013/2014) and it’s such an amazing opportunity.

What are you most excited for this year?

I’m excited to connect with all the future PR professionals all across the GTA and also doing Passport to PR again in the winter. I love that event!

What do you do outside of school?

For the past year, I’ve been volunteering with Pride Toronto, handling their digital and social media. We trended (both in Toronto and Canada) several times this past festival, which was an excellent experience.

Aside from that, I love exploring the city and going out to get food in different neighbourhoods.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

I collect semi-precious stones.

Connect with Ferdinand:

Twitter: @ferdinandngo

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ferdinandngo


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We’ll be introducing the rest of our student representatives right here on the blog in the new week, so stay tuned!