I Have Hope.

Wednesday. Ahhh, Wednesday. A day when I can drink copious amounts of tea and coffee, watch back to back episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race and not have a care in the world about my make-up free face. 

Boy, do I love Wednesdays. 

That is until I heard the words "Guys! We have a guest lecturer coming!". 

Now, don't get me wrong. I fully appreciate that very busy people are giving up their time to talk to us and they always turn out to be worthwhile and inspiring, but..... my lie in! My pyjamas!

So there I was, mustering up enthusiasm for a two hour guest lecture on my day off. Three guys are waiting to talk to us and I'm nursing my precious £2.30 Costa coffee.

Go on then, I think. Impress.  

And they really do. 

Over the next two hours, the three of them managed to give me hope that one day, I can be successful. They reaffirmed to public relations is an industry that is ever changing and needs people who can keep up. There is no one 'type' that they need - it really does take all sorts and if you have the determination and the drive, you can do it. 

I can do it. 

Tom Cheesewright, Richard Fogg and Samuel Hall were incredibly engaging and inspiring talkers. As three men, two of which are graduates of the BU PR course, who have achieved so much, we were all extremely privileged to hear their thoughts on the industry and receive some stellar advice. 

The main thing that I took away from all three speakers is that networking is crucial. There is no getting away from the fact that the phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know" really does have some meaning behind it. If you don't work your ass off at getting to know people and getting yourself out there, you're going to find your job bloody difficult! There is always going to be an element of skill and knowledge, but that's not going to get you anywhere if you don't have the personality to match it. 

They mentioned that there is never any 'stalking' when it comes to PR. You can nag a person, you can like every single one of their tweets, you can interact with them for 6 months. Bug the hell out of them because you're not stalking, you're networking. Ha. They're all going to regret saying that.... 

 

I managed to have a quick chat with Tom after the session and it really hit home that BU provide us with some amazing guest lecturers. He told us a small amount about a couple of jobs he has going on at the moment and all I can say is... wow. The fact Hilary managed to get not one, not two, but three speakers for us that are so inspiring is beyond belief and it makes me so glad that I chose BU as my uni. There is nowhere else that could possibly set us up for a career in PR like BU do.

The #BUPride is strong over here. Can you feel it? 

I'd like to give one more huge 'thanks' to Tom, Sam and Richard for being so generous with their time. For those of you who know me, you may know my love of PR was waning a little and they have completely reignited it.

I can tell you right now, it's a bloody good feeling. 

So yes, my lazy Wednesday plans were shattered but hell, it was worth it. And besides... there's always next week! 

Until next time! 

M x