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Jobs boost for PR students at USC
The career prospects of Public Relations students at the University of the Sunshine Coast have been boosted by the national accreditation of two degrees.
Dr Amalia Matheson, who leads the University’s PR and Corporate/Public Affairs programs, said both degrees had gained external accreditation with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
“This is a fantastic start for the new semester because it shows students can develop skills of national standing while enjoying the benefits of our Coast lifestyle,” Dr Matheson said.
“Only the best PR degrees are accredited. We had to demonstrate not only a high level of academic rigour but also a high level of industry engagement.
“When USC students graduate from these accredited degrees they are highly employable. They can demonstrate their significant interaction with industry and recent work experience – gained regionally and nationally. They have many opportunities for networking with experienced professionals.”
PR internships enjoyed by USC students last year ranged from football (the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) to fashion (Savage PR) to infrastructure (billion-dollar projects across Queensland such as the water grid pipelines).
“These led directly to our students gaining employment,” Dr Matheson said. “And it’s the sort of profession you can go anywhere in the world with.”
Another benefit of accreditation is fast-tracked membership of the PRIA for USC graduates once they gain work.
The PRIA website describes accreditation as a benchmark for performance, integrity and quality.
– Julie Gatehouse