The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) must do more to support their student members. Graduate unemployment has hit its highest level since 1995 and prospective PR graduates from CIPR approved courses are not being adequately supported. The formula is simple. As students we are concerned with Return On Investment (ROI). Currently student membership to the CIPR costs £35. Other than dozens... 

Interest sparked in the metrics behind the field of digital public relations after witnessing the trend of organisations using 3rd party reporting tools such as Brandwatch, Radian6 and Sysomos offering ‘listen, measure, understand and engage’ self-services. After a conversation with one of my brothers who is studying in the field of psychology he provided an insightful perspective into the matter... 

Public Relations by Averill Gordon 400 pages, Oxford University Press, 2011 Over the last two weeks I have been discovering the insights, case studies and featured interviews written within Averill Gordon’s first published book simply called “Public Relations” (Amazon link). Now Senior lecturer of Public Relations (PR) of AUT University but was senior lecturer and course leader at the University... 

This blog post identifies some of the key decisions and research which constructs a publicity stunt. It is not the only approach but it a step-by-step guide which I find useful. Homer & the giant of Cerne Abbas Understand your brand’s values Every brand can be examined for the values it entails. In the case of a publicity stunts this may surround a new service or product. Both the brand and the... 

Writing a dissertation first requires a question, some sort of academic line of enquiry which can be backed up with enough research, debate and modern relevance. The natural instinct of a writer is two-fold. Find a topic in line with the PR industry which could drive an effective rant Reflect on personal experiences in the industry which could lead to a recommendation to how things could change Fortunately... 

Blogging is a muscle which requires exercise. Yet no matter how dedicated you may be with travelling to the gym each week you may sometime go through a patch of absence. During these times it is easy to become lazy, to fall into a day to day routine which skips your once heavy physical activity. Unfortunately this has happened to me on the blogging side of my life. Shamefully it has almost been 1... 

“Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint” – @behindthespin Guess what, @behindthespin (aka Richard) is absolutely correct. Student bloggers should be aware that starting a blog is part of a longer game. Some myths about student blogging: You will receive instant attention / online fame It will only provide a positive and rewarding experience Blogging is easy   Let’s not be pessimistic... 

Back in April I mentioned the Young Britain Works project set up by Microsoft to assist 16 – 24 year olds find a job during the recession. This is a project which has involved current Microsoft UK interns who have assisted with a number of activities. The Britain Works Facebook page has grown considerably since the project began.   Young Britain Works Facebook Page Activities have not just been... 

As of the beginning of this month Microsoft launched their official UK intern and graduate blog Be Your Future. The project is being managed by a current intern called Lillian Hiscox and will be updated daily-ish with new content. The main aim of the blog is to show prospective Microsoft interns and graduates what it is like working for Microsoft and the lifestyle which comes with it. Already from... 

This morning I took a trip to Jessica North’s blog to find her post on exam revision advice. A highly useful post and I recommend you to read it. Below is the method I generally use for exams. Exams do not Measure Intelligence Repeat this sentence over and over again, until you believe it. Some students at University are under the odd illusion that they are not intelligent and therefore they will... 

David Willetts on BBC News A deeply agnostic Universities Minister, David Willetts, appeared on BBC News yesterday morning discussing the possibility of creating extra places for those students who could cover all of their higher education expenses although I must add that this is only a possibility. By every means this is an interesting point of view but one which should be considered at arm’s... 

In November Nick Clegg said he “massively regrets” being unable to deliver on his tuition fee promise. Cheltenham’s local MP, Martin Horwood, didn’t even bother voting in the 2010 December fees vote due to attending a climate conference in Mexico. At the time students were offering to pay for his flight home but still he escaped 4,500 miles away from the vote. Now Executive Director of External...