We see public relations every day, whether we notice it or not.
- That news report you saw the other day about the terrible working conditions at your local manufacturing plant.
- The news article that you saw from your local city council regarding property taxes.
- The ad you scrolled past on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Twitter.
Public relations can be explained as companies or organizations building mutually beneficial relationships with their publics.
Luckily for the students at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW), UNW has a phenomenal Public Relations program. The courses, electives and public relations events hosted by UNW provide an exciting and informative atmosphere.
One of the unique opportunities that students have to become acquainted with public relations, is through the school’s PR Workshop. The workshop meets once a week to talk through the many different aspects of public relations.
Elena Nowlin, a junior double-majoring in Communication Studies and Public Relations, leads this workshop under the observation of Professor Wendi Marshall. Elena spoke highly of the workshop. “PR workshop’s aim is to be a place of learning and encouragement where students can make a real-world impact without the real-world consequences.”
“PR workshop’s aim is to be a place of learning and encouragement where students can make a real-world impact without the real-world consequences.”
Elena Nowlin – Executive Director of the MEL PR Agency
The workshop has a fun and spontaneous environment where the students are heavily involved. Most students agree that they enjoy the engaging assignments and adventures and enjoy talking about the knowledge they have gained from the teachings and their assignments.
To see some of the social media accounts in which students are heavily involved, check out whereisthemel and themelpr.unw on Instagram. Students also have opportunities to work on social media accounts, podcasts, radio programs, TV and film. The workshop’s goal is to give the students experience and connections within the department and in the world of public relations with the hope of pursuing Christ, pursing their craft, and getting upstairs.
Want to join the fun? Register for next semester’s PR Workshop (PRL2625) … you never know what you’ll find yourself doing!
