Public Relations

• Directed Field Studies - General Information
• What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?
• How do I prepare for my Directed Field Studies?
• Who is responsible for what? Student, Employer, Faculty and Coordinator roles.
• What about expenses?
• How do I contact my Work Experience Coordinator?

What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?

As a Public Relations student, you could be offered a work-term position in Calgary, throughout Alberta or across Canada. Many work-term opportunities are located outside of Calgary. Students should be prepared to relocate for work experience opportunities.

Public Relations students can expect to work in the corporate, non-profit, agency or government sectors in many different areas that include working independently or as part of a communications team. You may use your writing, research, communication planning and desktop publishing skills to accomplish such tasks as planning a special event, designing/producing visual communication materials, developing/conducting employee surveys and writing/editing for a variety of audiences.

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How do I prepare for my Directed Field Studies?

In addition to core Communication courses, the Public Relations faculty and your Work Experience Coordinator work collaboratively to present a series of pre-employment sessions that will assist you in preparing for the job search process. Topics covered during these sessions may include the following:

• The nature of the DFS and the work-world are discussed; preparing a strategic and targeted resume; writing targeted cover letters; compiling writing/portfolio samples for future interviews; learning how to participate in DFS competitions; preparing for job interviews and reference selection; industry interviewing and hiring practices;
• Self marketing and networking.

Click here for more academic program information

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What about expenses?

By starting to plan now, you will be financially prepared for your work terms. Expenses include:

• Directed Field Studies course fees (see the Mount Royal Calendar)
• Some relocation expenses may be incurred by the student when completing a work-term position in a location outside of Calgary. You will need to budget for travel expenses to and from your workplace as well as a different place to live for four months.

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