Volunteering: the PR student's backstage pass

We all know that the most coveted item at a concert is the backstage pass. It allows you an all-access look into the world of music. You get to hang with the musicians you idolize, see the instruments they rock-out on up close, help yourself to the tasty treats and unlimited drinks, and maybe even get an autograph or two.

For PR students, volunteering at an event is just as exciting. Ok, maybe I over exaggerate a little, but it is a pretty close second. We get to meet industry bigwigs whose messages we follow on Twitter, learn tips and tricks about what it takes to make an event successful, help ourselves to a volunteer t-shirt and some material for our portfolios, and maybe even get a business card or two.

I have had three of these ‘backstage passes’. And yes, they are just about as difficult to come by as the ones for concerts. There are applications to fill out, resumes to be reviewed and contracts to be signed. Much like the lucky few who get to go backstage and rub elbows with rock gods, the role of an event volunteer is highly desired.

My first volunteer opportunity came in the form of Talk is Cheap 2.0, Centennial College’s 2nd unconfrenece exploring trends in social media. After the success of the first Talk is Cheap, it was no surprise that Toronto PR icons sat on discussion panels and nearly 200 people were in attendance.

I was a member of the team responsible for the most important part of the night by far – the food. I know I’m not the only one who considers food the highlight of any evening… Anywho, it seemed simple enough at first, but I quickly learned there was a lot to it. We had to order sandwiches from the caterer, research the cheapest places to buy 200 apples, treats and drinks (and then locate coolers to keep them all cold), travel to unknown areas of Mississauga to find the perfect “Centennial College Green” bags and ribbons to put it all in, organize the hospitality room in a visually appealing manner AND offer sandwich recommendations to eager attendees. Not to mention the 100 other tiny, tedious, but equally important tasks that also came with the job. WHEW, what a night. In the end it was all worth it. The compliments we received from the Talk is Cheap organizers and attendees were great; we felt we truly had done a fabulous job. But the real reward was the experience. I learned to meet deadlines UNDER budget, work quickly and efficiently with a team, the inevitability of last minute tasks and to always choose the chicken salad.

Recently, I volunteered at the 6th annual BizBash event style expo here in Toronto at the Direct Energy Centre. For event professionals by event professionals, this expo is designed to share the latest trends in décor, design, strategy, catering and much more. Featuring more then 100 exhibitors and eight educational conferences on key topics by industry leaders, this expo is otherwise known as Mecca for event planners. I learned a lot about organization and the complexities of organizing such a huge event. But I must admit that my favourite part throughout the day was having time to visit booths, explore the newest trends, take notes and network. This was a fabulous event and I will definitely be in attendance again next year.

Volunteering for CANFund’s (Canadian Athletes Now) “See you in Vancouver” countdown event was very much like having a backstage pass to a concert. But instead of famous rock stars there were famous Canadian Olympic athletes, instead of gold records there were gold medals. This was by far the most glamorous event I have volunteered for as of yet, and I loved every minute of it. Although I was only working coat check (no coats were lost during the course of the evening), I got to see how fabulous and decadent events for registered charities could be. It was inspiring and I hope to one day plan events of the same caliber.

Although the kind of ‘backstage passes’ I’ve had during my PR journey haven’t introduced me to any rock stars or gotten me into any wild after parties, the hands on experience and learning opportunities they provide are invaluable. And really, what more can a PR student ask for?

Welcome to my world

Not so long ago I was your average 4th year university student - eating pasta three meals a day, sleeping till 2 p.m., and clueless about what I was going to do when I graduated with my ever-so-common B.A. At least that's how I told myself we all felt.

It wasn't until a friend told me that college application deadlines were looming that I really lit the proverbially fire under my butt. The choice was simple - more schooling or entering what I like to call the 'real world' filled with jobs, responsibilities, and bills. It was a no-brainer, much like I thought my last psych exam was going to be. Thankfully, this time I wasn't horribly mistaken.

I knew right away what my options were; advertising or public relations. Both had always interested me and both required minimal math skills. After a three day intensive researching/soul searching/pros and cons list making marathon I chose what was to become my future profession, Public Relations.

I enrolled in a post-graduate corporate communications and public relations program and the rest is history. Well, history in the making.

This blog, my first ever, will take you on my journey through the world of public relations - the good, the bad and everything in between. More specifically, my studies, volunteering, client projects, networking, events and everything else I've grown to love in PR. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as I tumble through the PR rabbit hole.