Name: Kelly Hewitt
University: London College of Communication, UAL
Course: BA (Hons) Public Relations
Twitter: @kelly_hewitt1
LinkedIn: Kelly Hewitt
Blog: www.theaspiringpr.wordpress.com
Why did you choose to study PR?
I’ve always thought PR is such an interesting, creative and diverse industry that is key to success within every business. I love writing, working with people and challenging myself, so PR felt like the perfect industry for me.
What has your course involved?
LCC offers a excellent, well-rounded course that covers all aspects of PR. The first year has had a strong focus on the foundations of PR as well as developing transferable, practical skills for professional work. For example, writing a press release, how to pitch, digital skills within Photoshop and Indesign to name a few. A stand out project for me was collaborating with 21st Century Tiger, a charity based at London Zoo.
The most interesting aspect of studying PR has been meeting industry professionals.
What has been the most interesting aspect of studying PR?
The most interesting aspect of studying PR has been meeting industry professionals. Every week we’ve had a masterclass with an industry professional to give us an insight into different aspects of the PR industry. It has been so inspiring to hear from such diverse individuals, sharing their experiences and opinions within the industry.
Will you do a year in industry placement?
My course does not offer a placement year; however, we do have the opportunity to fulfil a work placement during the third term of our second year – which I am very excited about! We are also encouraged to find placements during the summer and easter breaks. I have secured one at a great agency for a month during the summer and I cannot wait!
Have you any other PR experience?
As a first year student, I haven’t yet got a vast amount of PR experience under my belt. However, since September I have carried out 2 part-time internships alongside my studies. I helped out with a fashion PR agency over SS16 fashion week in September, this was a really great insight into fashion PR and event management in a short space of time. I then helped the agency out on a part-time basis, with press days and events. I also volunteered part time in a design house, assisting the PR manager. These opportunities clarified some of the key differences between working in-house and for an agency. If you can manage your time accordingly, being a student in London can provide so many opportunities for great experience.
What are your aspirations for after university?
My aspiration is to be successful in a job that I love. I am expecting my views to change as I continue learning, but right now I could see myself working in a small, creative PR agency, working with a close team of like minded individuals.
her passion and effort to support younger women within the industry is very inspiring
Who is your PR inspiration?
I am always inspired by talented and ambitious people around me, I really admire successful people who have worked hard to get where they are today. I am also very respectful towards the gender equality moment, as I feel this is a particularly relevant issue in the field of PR. Mary Whenman, president of “Women in PR” particularly comes to mind. Her association focuses on senior women in the PR industry, but her passion and effort to support younger women within the industry is very inspiring.
Which PR blogs, news sites and websites do you read?
- prmoment.com, www.prdaily.com and twitter, for news!
- Richard Bailey’s behindthespin.com, for #BestPRBlogs and PRcareers.co.uk, I love reading what like-minded PR students and professionals are up to!
- I am a student member of both the CIPR and PRCA, both provide excellent material of past campaigns and case studies to learn from.
studying PR at university as taught me that you cannot just learn PR inside a classroom
What are your tips for A level students considering a PR degree
- Practice writing and start a blog – I know everyone says it, but it really is the best way to gain confidence and enhance your writing skills. Its also a great way to showcase your work in an interview.
- Stay up to date with the news – be interested and know what is going on in everyday life, understand how the media works and how situations are dealt with.
- Get as much experience as you can- studying PR at university as taught me that you cannot just learn PR inside a classroom, nothing is more valuable than first hand experience. Write to agencies to apply for work experience in the holidays and perhaps, if you have a part-time job you could even ask to get involved with their social media and online marketing- always look for opportunities!
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