Interview with Adrian Crighton — BA ( Hons ) Public Relations , Marketing and Events
Public Relations
About you
“ I really enjoy the community learning aspect of the University . I have always thought that I would rather go to a friendlier and more supportive university and make a bigger impact than go to a larger university and just be another face in the crowd .
“ For nearly a decade before coming to QMU , I was a classical ballet dancer and was heavily involved with a lot of theatre work . My current favourite passtime is mountain biking and I have a golden labrador named Holly .”
What ’ s been the highlight of the course so far ?
“ What has stood out for me on the BA ( Hons ) PR , Marketing and Events programme at QMU so far was volunteering at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations ( CIPR ) Scotland PRide Awards , which is a black tie event celebrating the top PR campaigns of the year . My favourite assessment ( never thought I would say that ) was the crisis news conference , where you need to sit on a panel representing a hypothetical organisation undergoing a crisis while your lecturers role play as journalists . I thought this was great because it gives you real experience in dealing with situations and is not just a sit-down exam .”
What ’ s your advice for making the most of being a student at QMU ?
“ Be prepared to throw yourself into absolutely every opportunity . It ’ s really important that you take advantage of the many personal development schemes that QMU has to offer . Your whole experience here will be so much richer as a result .
“ Probably the biggest highlight of my time at QMU so far has been my involvement with the STARS Programme , which I ’ m now co-ordinating . STARS stands for Student Tourism Ambassador Role Scotland .
“ In this role I ’ m getting valuable work experience over and above the academic knowledge I ’ m learning on my degree , including looking after nearly 40 students across four work experience locations in Edinburgh over the summer . This available experience is improving my confidence and developing my leadership skills , so it ’ s a real boost for my CV .”
What are your plans after graduating from QMU ?
“ After I graduate I hope to pursue a career in corporate communications .”
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