Public Relations Student and Industry Matchmaking Event

• Connecting tomorrow’s PR professionals with today’s industry leaders

The future of Public Relations (PR) in the Eastern Cape is getting brighter. The Department of Media and Communication will host an event on Friday, September 29 at the Nelson Mandela University’s Indoor Sport Centre, aimed to connect PR students with established industry professionals. Nelson Mandela University’s undergraduate PR students are practicing their best elevator pitches ahead of the university’s Annual Public Relations Student and Industry Matchmaking Event.

The event is especially geared for current second-year students in need of completing full-time internships during the third year of their PR Management Diploma. Students will engage with industry professionals in a “speed-networking” session, said Media and Communication Head of the Department, Dr Janelle Vermaak-Griessel.

“The event provides a unique opportunity for the aspiring PR professionals to gain valuable insight by networking with experts, enhancing their interview skills ahead of their upcoming job search and thus assists in launching their careers. By hosting this event, the Department of Media and Communication hopes to bridge the gap between academia and industry by encouraging collaboration and mentoring that will be mutually beneficial to professionals and students,” said Vermaak-Griessel.

Last year students got to network with representatives from Volkswagen Group South Africa, OM & Barker, MyPR.co.za, Exporters Eastern Cape, The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) and more. “The event was very fruitful, and I enjoyed talking to the employers. It was a nice experience as I feel it prepared me for future interviews. The fact that I got an employer contacting me on the same day, was a really nice feeling and experience,” said Shadi Tshabangu, a 3rd year Public Relations Management Student, who attended last year’s event.

This year the University will host guest speakers, Lungisile Mtshutshwana (Isuzu Motors South Africa), Mfundo Shozi (Splendid Group) and Gert Klopper (Past President of The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa – PRISA).

Professionals offering internships in the field of PR are encouraged to attend the networking event, which promises to be a catalyst for growth, networking, and learning for the students and industry professionals.

For more information, please contact cindy.preller@mandela.ac.za

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