Development
Scholarships & Mentoring
The PRIA currently offers two generous scholarships as part of its commitment to high standards of professional practice. 
The Royce Student Fellowship provides up to $10,000 to enable students to build their public relations experience and advance their understanding of the profession.
The Donald Dyer Scholarship is made possible by a generous bequest from the estate of the late Sylvia Dyer. This $23,000 Scholarship offer the opportunity to further develop advanced research in public relations, normally at a PhD level.
Mentoring helps to build a career in PR
Public Relations professionals are constantly looking at ways to develop and enhance their skills. Yet, with so few organisations representing public relations and communications practitioners, it is difficult to know where to get direction to help build a PR career.
The PRIA’s mentoring initiatives provide opportunities for both mentees and mentors in NSW to develop their professional communications and management skills.
Ms Naomi Factor, Principal, Communication Factor and FPRIA, said that most who mentor do it with a wish to give something back to the profession.
“This is particularly the case with someone like me who has been in PR for more than 30 years,” she said. ” We have seen the profession grow in this time and with it the education and training of its participants.
"We have moved a million light years since that time and with it we have a profession that handles diverse needs for their client base or employer. Along with that we have trained people who have come through universities or other tertiary bodies. However we still have something in the work environment that hasn't changed in all these years and that is the need to understand the people with whom you are dealing/working."
Mr Mark Gold, Director, Third Person agrees, "I think many people assume that mentoring only benefits the person being mentored. A strong mentoring relationship benefits both parties, allowing for an open exchange of ideas and examination of different approaches and methods to dealing with everyday issues. It tests your own conventional thinking and hopefully clears the way for solutions to problems which ultimately bring out the courage of your own convictions."
The Mentoring Committee match mentees with suitable mentors and provide avenues and advice to assist in building the mentoring relationship. While some guidelines are provided, at no time do mentors make decisions for the mentee, but rather help them see the way along which they should travel.
The role of mentors is as a sounding board for mentees. It helps them understand what they are doing with their career, how they can grow their skills, how they can relate to their peers and their clients and to help them achieve their goals.
And it's not just about what the mentors can give back to the industry.
"I joined the PRIA mentoring program with a view to fine-tuning my skills, learning more about myself and possible career options within the communications industry,” said Ms Kelly Jones, Communications Coordinator, Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
"My mentor, a practitioner with many years experience in the industry provided guidance and professional advice, much appreciated by a young and relatively inexperienced practitioner. She helped me consider a full range of solutions while providing suggestions to overcome the barriers and challenges I faced. My relationship with Diane was invaluable and we will continue to stay in touch," Ms Kelly said.
Please note that this program is only open to PRIA NSW members.
Last Updated: November 20, 2007