So I’m back – and I have to admit I’m enjoying being a student again (2 days a week – bliss). I spent 2007 working, travelling, and learning a little about real life in the real world. 2008 is my honours year – Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) (Honours).
Although I missed being a student (especially whilst working full time), I was worried that after taking a year out, I might find it difficult to go back to study. One week in, and I feel slightly overwhelmed by the workload…I think I underestimated the time commitment required outside of lectures and labs. However, right now I am fully energized and ready tackle the year ahead.
First impressions are that there is a strong focus on new media and social forms of media….much more so then in my bachelors degree. I guess it is a rapidly developing area. A lot has changed since 2006. New media has become much more popular to a mass, mainstream audience. Admittedly, I don’t have much experience in the virtual space (beyond facebook and listening to the occasional PR or Radio National podcast) but it’s definitely something I’m interested in exploring. I think new media is all about the breaking down of the mass into like-minded communities. This will be very important for PR as a discipline which is largely about segregating masses of people into publics and targeting your message at the appropriate group. Anyway – happy and excited to learn more about this.
I think another reason that I’m feeling positive about this year is the level of control I have over my studies. I can take it in whichever direction I please (although I’m not entirely sure which way I want to go yet). At first I was worried about this because it means a lot more ownership and responsibility, but I think I am surrounded by a very supportive group of people and lots of useful resources.
Don’t like the using Macs but I guess I’ll have to adapt – or get my laptop connected to the network.
The subjects are all really fascinating although I’m finding the Communication Revs readings very high level and challenging, unnecessarily overtechnical– but I’ll preserver. I think there is a really good energy in the Research Workshop. I like the Transient Spaces elective lecture content (very interesting in terms of social media) although I think the assessment task will be difficult. But, nothing that is rewarding in life comes easily. I think I’m going to learn some fantastic new skills around website creation and digital media from this elective and will be proud if I can achieve a high mark as it’s a little out of my comfort zone.
All the BComm Hons students have different backgrounds and interests, which is awesome. I think this will help me to think about communications more broadly, as opposed to purely from a PR perspective.
I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and am optimistic about the year ahead!
