Student Membership

CPRS Toronto

Laura Ballantyne

Chair, Student Membership

What is the CPRS?

• National voluntary professional association for public relations practitioners

– 16 member societies across Canada

• The cornerstone of a career in public relations

– Accessible peer network – Members in all areas of practice– Body of knowledge – Continuous learning opportunities – Awards – Accreditation – Career development

Mission

• Advance public relations practice – Body of knowledge – Best practice resources, e.g. MR2P, case

studies

– Professional development

• Elevate the stature of the profession – Awards – Accreditation

• Regulate practice in the public interest – Standards for education – Standards of practice proficiency – Code of ethics

You belong here

• Student Steering Committee– Elected representatives – Responsive and accountable to members

• Focused on programs for students– Social events – Networking with professionals – Public relations agency tour

• Sub-committees meet monthly– Social networking – Event planning, logistics and hospitality– Member communication

Keep learning

• Student members enjoy reduced rates at professional development events – Networking events

• Board social • Student social • Public relations agency tour

– Guest speakers • Career coach advice • Communications case presentations

– Panel discussions• Teaching public relations

– Teleconferences/webinars• Social media tools• Writing award-winning entries

Accreditation• Benefits

– Professional credentials specific to PR– Regulates practice for benefit/protection of

public interest– Provides a rewarding professional

development/ learning experience

• One-year timeline (can be extended)– Applications due December 1– Work Samples (Case Studies) due March 1– Oral and Written Exams mid-to-late October– Results announced by year-end (pin and

certificate awarded at following annual conference)

• Applicant Criteria– 5-years full-time experience in PR– Work Sample not more than 2 years old

Practice news

• Industry news

– Monthly e-newsletter – Quarterly print publication

• Emerging trends in public relations • Event coverage • Student initiatives • Award-winning work • Book reviews

Career information

• Network for career information • Receive regular job leads • Job search

– How to design your resume – Online resume posts– Job search links – Advice for the job interview

Student awards

• Numerous student awards – Prestige – Recognition – Extra finances

• Torchia Scholarship

• Student Award of Excellence

• Doris Whiteside Award

• PR Student of the Year Award

Mentor matching

• Pairs students and new graduates with senior public relations professionals

– Six-month program

• Participants are encouraged to meet monthly

Membership Fees

• Student member $45

• New graduate member $55

• Affiliate member $115

• Professional member $414

Join us today

• Affordable – Join online at www.cprstoronto.com

• Instant professional network – Students – Practitioners

• Competitive advantage – Industry news – Career information – Best practice resources – Meaningful volunteer opportunities – Job leads – Mentorship

Questions?

CPRS Toronto

www.cprstoronto.com

mentorship@cprstoronto.com