There are a host of reasons why a practitioner in any discipline would belong to a professional association: they may be looking for professional development or networking opportunities, a forum for exchanging ideas, or events/workshops that broaden their knowledge of industry practices.

Over the years, CPRS Hamilton has proven to be the association of choice for public relations professionals in southwestern Ontario. Membership consists of a cross-section of long-time, recent and student members. But what draws PR practitioners to CPRS Hamilton?

Lisa Vanderlip interviewed four of CPRS Hamilton’s members, ranging in experience from industry veteran to new college graduate, and asked them to describe what value they receive from their memberships.

Tori Reep is a mid-career professional who rejoined CPRS after allowing her membership to lapse. While her PR career path drifted into the fundraising arena during the past few years, she has recently returned to her PR roots by securing a position as health promotion manager for Heart Niagara. “Now that my job is more PR focused, I rejoined CPRS to refresh my industry knowledge and to reestablish my industry contacts,” explains Ms. Reep. “I believe that if you are going to dedicate your career to PR, you should participate in the industry’s professional association to broaden your skills and to demonstrate your commitment to the profession,” she concludes.

At this stage in her career, Ms. Reep believes attaining the APR designation would validate her capabilities as a communications professional. She plans to pursue the APR designation within the next few years to further her career aspirations.

“I can’t imagine myself being without a CPRS membership.” ~ Jennifer Murphy

Jennifer Murphy, a Niagara College graduate, credits her involvement with CPRS Hamilton for making her transition from PR student to PR practitioner an easy one. “I can’t imagine myself being without a CPRS membership,” remarks Ms. Murphy. “Since graduating two years ago, my association with CPRS has been invaluable to my development as a PR professional.” From her position on the board as a student representative to her role as secretary on the 2006 national conference planning committee, each of Ms. Murphy’s CPRS volunteer experiences has assisted her with developing the skills and contacts necessary to succeed in the PR profession.

Zoe Siskos, a recent graduate from Niagara College’s post-graduate public relations program, considers herself fortunate to have received a student CPRS Hamilton membership along with her enrolment in the program. “Possessing a student membership afforded me many learning opportunities that enriched the knowledge I was learning in the classroom,” comments the new graduate. Through her participation in CPRS, she was able to attain industry-related experience and develop her professional portfolio by writing and editing for the chapter’s newsletter. As well, she was able to establish a name for herself among a network of professional contacts. “I recommend that students and new graduates become actively involved with the chapter because the experience gained through participation will assist them in launching and developing their careers,” explains Ms. Siskos. “You get out of it, what you put into it. It’s as simple as that.”

“I believe participation in CPRS is a win-win situation for all involved.” ~ Jeffrey Martin, APR, Fellow CPRS

Veteran practitioner Jeffrey Martin, APR, Fellow CPRS, agrees with Ms. Reep’s appraisal of the APR designation’s value. “From the experience, contacts and credentials I gained through my membership with CPRS, I was able to advance quickly within the profession,” explains Mr. Martin. He believes his past participation on the Hamilton board as president, vice-president and newsletter editor, as well as his chairing of various national CPRS task forces helped to fuel the meteoric rise of his career. CPRS recently recognized Mr. Martin’s exceptional PR career by awarding him the fellowship designation for his 20 years of service and outstanding contributions to CPRS and to the public relations profession.

Not one to sit back and accept the status quo, Mr. Martin’s long-term involvement with CPRS has been an opportunity for him to initiate positive changes within the profession and to take PR to a higher level. “I encourage practitioners’ involvement. I believe participation in CPRS is a win-win situation for all involved,” declares the exuberant Mr. Martin.

If his impressive career is a testament to the value derived from a CPRS membership, then all practitioners should follow his example and join CPRS - and get involved.

Lisa Vanderlip is a recent graduate from Niagara College’s post-graduate public relations program, and graduated on the President’s Honour Roll. She is a public relations volunteer for the Niagara Historical Society and Museum in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. She is a freelance writer and is currently seeking employment in the field of public relations.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 11th, 2007 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Careers in PR, Member Profiles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.