The MOBO awards in conjunction with the CIPR are offering an excellent work placement for one lucky PR student or recent graduate. I'd apply for it myself, but the role requires someone with an interest in and knowledge of music of black origin. If that's you, find out more about the work placement by clicking here.

Labels: cipr, formby, matthew watson, mobo, music of black origin, public relations, work experience

Dissertation asking Is blogging the future of Public Relations? Done.

Thank you to everyone who helped me with interviews:
(Alphabetical as always)

Heather Constantine, the parliamentary researcher for Ann Widdecombe

Iain Dale is a political commentator who blogs at www.iaindale.com

Sarah Halton of Tangerine PR

Roger Haywood the former CIPR and CIM president.

Ian Green the director of media at Green Communications

Johannes Kokert and engineer at Leica Microsystems in Germany

Simon Law, a junior product manager at Amadeus in France

Thibault Masson, the founder of international online marketing consultancy Fashion Fox

Katie McLoughlin of Trinity Mirror North West

Alexander Petricca, a professional photographer and blogger in Liverpool.

Douglas Smith the former CIPR president and MD of Parliamentary Perceptions

Margaret Tarpey the MD of Concept Communications

Nina Watson, the senior account manager at Concept Communications

Paul Watson the Global IT manager of Rolls-Royce Energy

Philip Young, a senior lecturer at the University of Sunderland and prominant PR blogger

Special thanks also go out to:

Maxine Barnett who organised the 'Two PR Greats' lecture and introduced me to Douglas Smith and Roger Haywood.

Anne Gregory whose lecture on 'Public Relations and its Struggle for Respectability' at the Bradford University School of Management helped me enormously.

Labels: cipr, concept pr, dissertation, formby, huddersfield, is blogging the future of public relations, matthew watson, public relations, students, university

On wednesday night (27th) I was treated to an interesting lecture by former CIPR presidents Roger Haywood and Douglas Smith at the University of Huddersfield. The event was well turned out with Anne Gregory, another former CIPR president, in attendance.

Andy Green of Green Communications, who is the honorary research fellow at the University was also there offering an insight into the public relations world.

Roger Haywood left me very impressed with his tales of public relations past and his hopes for the future of the profession. He offered us advice for when we apply for jobs, saying that we should includea photograph of ourselves with out CV. To make it truly standout from the hundreds of other applicants who might be applying for the same position. A great little piece of advice I think.

Douglas Smith invited us into his world of political public relations and lobbying. He presented us with a three-page handout containing plenty of information on how to succeed in the political arena of public relations. Although this is not an area that is of particular interest to me, I found it incredibly useful with regards to my dissertation and my plans to discuss political blogging.

Best of all - the event was free!

Labels: andy green, anne gregory, cipr, douglas smith, formby, huddersfield, matthew watson, public relations, roger haywood