ProCom Course Union’s First Industry Social

By: Amanda Watson (BA 2017)

On March 19, 2015, the Professional Communication Course Union (PCCU) held its first professional development event entitled The Industry Social, with over 50 people in attendance. Attendees included first and second year ProCom undergraduate students, MPC students, ProCom alumni, staff and faculty, and industry professionals.

The evening began with opening remarks made by the PCCU executive who welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s three guest speakers.

The first of the three speakers was Aizaz Sheikh, Marketing Director at G Adventures. Aizaz discussed his journey through the marketing industry and elaborated on the distinct benefits that a program like Professional Communication has to offer.

Building on Aizaz’s message, Carrie-Ann Bissonnette, the Strategic Projects Liaison at Ryerson University, spoke next. She provided insight into the personal stages of professional development, explaining the difficulties and obstacles that one will inevitably face throughout their career, and how to overcome them.

The final speaker was Cara Foods’ Digital Marketing Manager, Jason Cassidy. As a graduate of the Master of Professional Communication program, Jason discussed his personal and professional progression as a rewarding hybrid of marketing-based and communication-based work.

After the speeches concluded, guests were invited to mingle, network and enjoy refreshments. Emma Zernask, a second-year ProCom undergraduate student said that she “thought it was a great opportunity to practice networking skills and connect with industry professionals as well as MPC alumni.” Emma added that she is “definitely looking forward to events like it in the future!”

The PCCU’s inaugural industry social was a big success for the undergraduate team and a great indication of the high level of interest for similar events in the future. Incoming Vice President of Events for the PCCU, Iriss Guillermo, said: “I’m proud of The Industry Social we hosted as a Course Union, and as the incoming Vice President of Events I’m excited to build upon it next year.”