The World of PR & Marketing: A Student's Perspective.

By Erica Wenham, Monday 24 September 2012.

Happy New Academic Year!

The new academic year is upon us (whether you're a student, a teacher or a parent). Although it's not quite as exciting as singing "Auld Lang Syne" on the eve of the 31st of December each year with the ones you love most; it's still a new journey nonetheless.

Firstly, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Erica Wenham and I am due to start the second year of my course at Buckinghamshire New University. I am currently studying for a Bachelors (Hons) Degree in Public Relations and Marketing Communications.

As my area of academia is fairly extensive, I am required to study four individual models in relation to my chosen industry (Public Relations). I have been very lucky to be taught by numerous professionals and tutors at Bucks which have all been such great help. More information regarding this is as follows;

1. "Managing The Commercial Communications Process" (Vic Davies - Course Leader)
2. "Digital Technologies For Marketing" (Mike Watson - Visiting Lecturer & Entrepreneur)
3. "Public Relations Practice & Skillset" (Dr. Bill Nichols - Senior Lecturer & Professional PR Consultant and Bernard Carey - Visiting Lecturer & Corporate Affairs Partner)
4. "Modern Marketing Information & Analysis" (Vic Davies - Course Leader and Ruth Hickmott - Senior Lecturer)

My first year certainly had it's fair share of ups and downs and I can't wait to see what this year holds.

I've created this online website for many purposes;

1. Enjoyment - I absolutely LOVE writing. Aside from Business Studies, English was always my favourite subject at school/college and I gained an A* grade for English Language at GCSE. Read more about that here.
2. University - As part of my "Digital Technologies For Marketing" topic area, I am required to create an online website and/or blog which is due to count for 10% of my overall module grade.
3. Emplyoment - As with any industry, gaining a job role, internship, work placement or interview can be tough. Implementing an effective website and blog can help to stand out from other applications and individuals as opposed to a regular CV or Covering Letter.
4. Future Use - Website content can be used for exam revision in Spring/Summer 2013 or to purely reminisce about university life in the later future. It can also potentially influence readers' opinions of studying PR and/or Marketing at university, news trends in the media, industry tips and tricks and much more.

I've spent this previous Summer working as a Freelance Marketing/PR Assistant for "Stunning Wedding Photography" which I thoroughly enjoyed. I created a successful online blog for the company's owner where I would post new, interesting and informative articles about the business around 4 times a week to give customers a more personable approach. As a result, I do have past experience with blogging. I would also regularly update the companies Facebook and Twitter pages. I also helped to implement SEO for social media to help enhance search engine rankings and gain more customers/brand awareness.

I hope you will continue to enjoy me on my new blogging journey!