IABC, CPRS visit Centre for Creative Communications

The Fall semester is well underway at Centennial’s Centre for Creative Communications.  A record 52 students started the post-graduate Corporate Communications & Public Relations program this September — the most number of students ever.

One of the first things our budding communicators learned about was the important role that professional associations play in the PR industry.  This was reinforced when representatives of the Toronto chapters of the Canadian Public Relations Association (CPRS) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) visited the Centre for Creative Communications.  Beginning this year, all CC&PR students are required to join one of the two organizations (or both) — an initiative mandated by the program’s Advisory Committee compromised of top Toronto communicators who advise the college.

Paulina Callaghan, VP, Membership, IABC Toronto visited on September 12th and  gave students an overview of the many benefits available to student members of IABC, including the opportunity to get active in the largest IABC chapter in the world. This includes volunteer opportunities, professional development and student awards.

Later in the week, Laura Ballantyne, Student & Mentoring Chair of CPRS Toronto visited students and highlighted CPRS and the very active Toronto chapter.  Students were particularly interested in the opportunity to join the association’s student steering committee and participate in planning events for their peers.

Centennial students have always been active in CPRS & IABC, with graduates taking top awards from both organizations in years past.  This includes 2011’s Toronto PR Student of the Year,  CC&PR graduate Oluwadamilola Okunlola!

Thanks to both Paulina and Laura for taking the time to visit and the amazing work they’re doing to support future communicators.  Students have a difficult choice to make as to what association to join — many are making the easiest decision – they’re joining both!