By Kelly Friend – 13^th January 2012

Yesterday I journeyed back in time to my old stomping ground, Southampton Solent University, as part of an invitation to talk to the current PR & Communications students.

As part of the university’s “Meet the Alumni” workshops I, along with graduates from previous years, was invited to talk to the current students about life after university and how we came to be where we are now. I’ll admit I was a bit shocked to realise that it had in fact been four years since I sat in a lecture hall!

After a quick introductory session where us graduates took it in turns to regale our career history so far, we adjourned to the lovely new Solent Creatives suite where we had the opportunity to sit with small groups of students and answer any questions they had. I found myself discussing the benefits of in-house vs. agency and the importance of being clued up on social media, as well as learning a thing or two myself about EU work permit regulations!

It was eye opening to see just how far the university has come since I first stepped through those doors in 2005, not long after it first gained actual university status in fact. The course itself has evolved too, reflecting on trends within the industry and focusing on truly relevant topics that will serve any PR practitioner well. It makes me wish I was still there and has got me thinking about taking the next step in my PR education by embarking on a Master’s degree – watch this space!

All in all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon meeting the PROs of the future – we’ve got some good graduates on their way!

Where next?

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