Enid has graduated with a CIPR Foundation in Public Relations (L3).
She is a Communications Officer at the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). As she is relatively new to her role, her manager suggested the course to build her skills.
What did you discover about yourself in the process?
I tend to procrastinate until the 11th hour before an assignment deadline, and that learning online does pose some challenges. Still, excellent communication and engaging interaction with my tutors and fellow students can provide the support you need to get the job done.
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
Yes, it’s been good to apply the knowledge gained as part of the course to my everyday tasks, particularly around stakeholder engagement. Since completing the course I’ve received many congratulations from colleagues (especially my manager). A Director called me personally to say that it’s good to see that I’m “not standing still”, so it was great to get that feedback.
What did you enjoy most about the studying process?
The course content has helped me understand the bigger picture, and I enjoyed the tutor/student interactions.
What type of things do you do differently now?
I look up and around more to understand the different elements of PR and Comms, and now look at situations and events with a different perspective. I regularly meet with team members to learn about their particular roles, which I find extremely beneficial.
What words of advice would you give anyone considering a career in PR/Comms?
Be prepared for it to be a bigger machine than you think. You’ll find yourself trying to unravel cogs and chains of human nature – it’s a bit of an iceberg!
What are the significant changes within your industry at present?
Climate change and the global approach to moving away from fossil fuels has raised the profile of nuclear power, in turn bringing added attention and focus to the regulation of the industry, which is what ONR is concerned with. The energy sector is high profile at the moment; powering the planet has developed into a race against time, so at the moment, it’s very much “don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”
What do you enjoy most when you aren’t doing the day job?
Photography and watching any sport.
CIPR Foundation in Public Relations qualification is designed for those new to public relations who want to learn the basic techniques of this communications discipline providing a detailed introduction to PR, including essential writing and other technical skills.
