The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted the PRISA (Public Relations Institutes of Southern Africa) KwaZulu-Natal Student Conference (on 31 July 2015) at the Ritson Campus Hall.

Students from different universities in KZN gathered at the conference which aimed to expose and engage them on career opportunities in the public relations and communications management industry.

Alma Maxwell, owner of Outsourced Communications which deals with social media needs for companies, said students need to ensure that they use social media to their advantage, adding that having their profiles on LinkedIn ensures that they are visible to companies that are looking for potential employees. “The minute you go to the workplace, employers will be looking at your profiles online via Faceboook, twitter and LinkedIn, so ensure your grammar is correct and be aware of what you are saying on social media,” she said.

PRISA President, Lorrainne Van Schalwyk, said, “I believe it does make a difference being a member of a professional body such as PRISA because it speaks directly to these two key line principles of positive intention and integrity. Whenever I employ someone, I immediately make them join PRISA whether they have a degree or not. I know that at a professional level, they can still progress through their work experience and ultimately, earn a recognised, professional designation making them a professional communicator,” she said.

Dawn Dunn from East Coast Radio encouraged students to never doubt themselves, adding that she is living a proof of that.

– Mxolisi Ntanzi

Pictured: Key speakers at the PRISA KZN Student Conference which was held at the DUT Ritson Campus Hall.