How my undergraduate degree is preparing me for a professional career

I study Public Relations and Brand Communication at Leeds Beckett University and not only am I loving the course, but I also strongly believe it’s preparing me for a successful career. Most significantly, we are taught a combination of core theory and practice. This means I’m gaining both a deep understanding of this subject and having the opportunity to put what I’ve learnt into action in practical workshops, placements, and example scenarios. Plus, through my course I’ve had loads of networking opportunities and made some great industry connections. Which will definitely be an asset when I’m looking for graduate jobs. Overall, I feel that my degree is equipping me with the tools I need to succeed and I'll be telling you exactly how in this blog. 

Gaining industry relevant skills

I’d say that my course is definitely equipping me with the tools I need to succeed. As through my course modules, I’m gaining so much industry relevant experience and skills. For example, in the first year, the Tool Kit module taught me about the tools I need to create a successful campaign which matches a client’s brief, including carrying out research, writing a press release, creating infographics, and delivering confident pitches. What I found great about this module was how I could strengthen my understanding and demonstrate what I had learnt through an engaging assessed project. For this assessed project, the CEO of a local charity, Simon on the Streets, challenged us to launch an International Women’s Day campaign which would empower homeless women. I loved channelling my creativity into this campaign and drawing attention to the important issue of female homelessness, as well as putting the skills and knowledge I’d learnt into practice.

Undertaking a professional placement

I’ve been able to take the industry relevant skills that I’ve learnt and apply them during my work placement. As this course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year - a year of paid employment in the industry - I have been working as an Event and Conference Coordinator for a professional event management company in Harrogate called Hg3 Conferences. I've been able to apply what I have learned on my course in a wide range of real-life scenarios within this dynamic and fast paced workplace.

In addition, being able to take a year out to work has given me a real feel for this particular industry, and it’s definitely much more immersive then sitting in a lecture hall. Working on planning events, I have implemented skills I’ve developed through my course, such as social media management, communication, teamwork, and creative thinking. I have loved my time on placement so much and will be returning to university with great experience in event management, client liaison and networking, all of which will help me approach my final year with greater confidence and knowledge.

Building an impressive portfolio

Throughout my degree, I’ve been collating examples of my work on placement and pieces of creative coursework into a portfolio. Creating a portfolio of our work is something the lecturers encourage us to do. This is so that when we go to an interview we can present this portfolio to a prospective employer and impress them with all the things we have achieved. 

I’m really proud of my portfolio and when I look through it, I can see how much I have developed, learnt, and achieved on this course. One thing in my portfolio that I’m really proud of is the work I achieved during the Global Communications module. For this, I got to fly out to Barcelona and work within an international team environment by supporting with campaign competitions for FC Barcelona. This was such an exciting task and taught me a lot about how to work effectively within an international team environment, taking into account cultural differences and challenges that could arise.

Networking opportunities

I enjoy connecting with people and there have been lots of networking opportunities provided through my course. In my first year, there was a networking event with Leeds Beckett PR alumni, as well as a trip to a Leeds PR agency. Through my course I have learned that networking is important for career progression. As making connections and getting to know people in the industry is key to opening doors to new opportunities. I really enjoy networking and speaking with people within the industry. As well as networking with people in person I also try to network with people online. My lecturers have supported us in creating strong LinkedIn profiles, and have encouraged us to build our professional contacts on here. 

I decided to study a degree in Public Relations and Brand Communication because I’m a creative individual who is inspired by this exciting and engaging industry. I love that I’m taught by experts from the industry and am encouraged and supported to gain hands on industry experience. Through studying at LBU, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. With a packed portfolio of real-life experiences, work placements, and campaigns, I feel confident that when I graduate I’ll be able to secure a professional job and apply all that I have learnt, so I can pursue a successful career in this industry.