Freeze Frame with Tracey Reid (09/10)

Today’s Freeze Frame features Tracey Reid (Loyalist PR 09/10) who is now employed as a Graphic Technician in the Marketing & Communications Department of Loyalist College.

Prior to enrolling in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College, completed the Advertising Program at Loyalist College and worked for 15 years in the field. She returned to Loyalist as a mature student in the fall of 2009.

Freeze Frame: How did you learn about the Loyalist PR program?

Tracey Reid: I learned about the program through a three week course I took through the Abbott agency in Belleville. I had never heard of public relations before and when I heard that they were offering it at Loyalist, I was excited because it was close to home.

FF: What do your duties include as a graphic technician?

TR: My duties include designing publications such as Lasting Connections, Focus Magazine, Kids Camp Brochure and many other fun marketing tools Loyalist puts out.

FF: How did Loyalist PR help prepare you for your current position?

TR: The PR program prepared me in so many ways. I wouldn’t have gotten this position if I hadn’t been in the PR program. This program has taught me how to write with more confidence and clarity. This program has taught me how to take on leadership roles in a project that I am responsible for.

The PR program has changed my life, I am not kidding, I think entirely different coming out of this program. I am not the same person that walked into this course.

FF: Do you have any favourite memories of your time in the Loyalist PR program?

TR: Wow, I can’t believe I have to pick one memory! I have so many. I would have to say going to Toronto with the class was one of my favorite memories – meeting George Stroumboulopoulos [of CBC’s “The Hour”]. I think we bonded as a class once we returned from that trip as well.

FF: Any words of advice for students entering the program this fall?

TR: I was a mature student and this was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever made but it was worth it. If I could give any advice at all is that it would be...not to be scared going back to school, if you are a mature student. I couldn’t believe how I was accepted as one of the students and how everyone always made me feel so welcome.

I would have to say the advice I would give everyone, is NETWORK! This is truly a powerful tool and will take you directions that you never thought possible. Be a sponge and absorb everything, it is remarkable what you will learn from it.

FF: Anything else to add?

TR: You will have memories that will last a lifetime and friends that will be by your side when your knees are shaking behind the podium! Be positive and have fun. Enjoy this year.