Student Experience
What to Expect
Students in the Public Relations program at Algonquin College learn a wide array of skills, from visual storytelling and social media management, to the use of generative artificial intelligence and business basics. The emphasis in all courses is on attention to detail, and creative and critical thinking in all public relations activities, from media relations to special event co-ordination. Students spend just as much time outside the classroom as they do sitting at a desk. All of the skills and knowledge learned are put into practice during a field placement in the fourth level.
Success Stories & Testimonials
Hear first hand about Lesly’s experience in the program and why she initially chose it.
Hear first hand about Alexandra’s experience in the program and what made it stand out for her.
Work Integrated Learning
Algonquin College Public Relations Charity Campaign
Over more than 40 years, Algonquin College Public Relations (ACPR) students have raised more than $600,000 for a range of Ottawa charities, including Interval House, the Parkdale Food Centre, and ONFE. The campaign takes place once a year – in the Winter term – and is part of the curriculum in Levels 1, 2 and 3. The charity campaign project offers students a chance to learn from each other and practice their PR skills while giving back to the community. Many ACPR alumni consider it the highlight of their time at Algonquin.
Level 1: Students form groups to advocate for different charities in pitches to each other. They develop a communications plan with the goal of convincing their peers to vote for their charity. At the end of term, the students deliver a persuasive pitch presentation to their classmates, which culminates in a vote to determine which charity will be the focus of the campaign in Level 2.
Level 2: This is where the magic happens. Students form groups to plan and execute various external events to raise funds and awareness for the chosen charity. During class discussions, the students build the campaign from the ground up, developing everything from a brand name and mission to a strategic communications plan. They also create a social media strategy, design visual assets to promote their events and produce media kits to distribute at a news conference. The campaign is entirely student-run, with faculty there to provide guidance and support.
Level 3: In the Measurement & Analytics for Public Relations class, the students analyze social media metrics from their Level 2 charity campaign to determine the success of their campaign on social media, the characteristics of posts with the highest engagement, etc., and to make recommendations about what could be enhanced in subsequent campaigns. Students also have the opportunity to work directly with a real world client in this semester.
Level 4: Students will complete their field placement (internship) or work on an independent project for the full semester.