Congratulations to Calgary APRs
by Deborah Remus, CPRS Calgary, Communications Committee
Calgary, February 1, 2018 – Huge congratulations to the Calgary PR pros who earned their APR (accredited in public relations) this year. Of the 17 successful APR’s across Canada four of them are from Calgary, giving the city more new inductees in 2018 than anywhere else in the country.
“Having four of the newest APR’s from Calgary is a testament to the quality of professionals in the city,” says Kyle Marr, Chair of the CPRS Calgary APR Committee. “I think what stands out the most was their willingness to study and prepare. With a work sample, written exam, verbal exam, and other components, the accreditation process is extremely rigorous. And they did a great job.”
Andria Adams from Anstice Communications, Michelle Crossland from the University of Calgary, Melanie Veriotes from Alberta Energy Regulator and Monica Hermary from Alberta Energy Regulator made the final cut.
“I wanted to pursue my APR for a few reasons,” Crossland says. “First, I’ve been involved in CPRS since I was in college (I graduated in 2009), and I completed my PRK a few years ago, so doing my APR was the natural next step. I also wanted a senior designation and was debating whether I should do a Masters or my APR. At this time in my life I didn’t want to do a full Masters degree, so the APR was the best fit. Many of my PR mentors also have their APR designation and highly recommended and encouraged me to do the same, so I went for it.”
Crossland recommends other CPRS members choose to pursue their APR and suggests reaching out to other APR’s to learn from their experiences.
“I learned that one of the best ways to study for the written exam is to complete old exams to get a feel for the questions in addition to the time pressure to finish,” Crossland says. “I think that mentorship is so important no matter what stage of your career, but definitely when you’re pursuing your APR.”
For over 50 years the APR has been globally recognized as the highest standard of excellence in PR. Applicants must be employed in PR for at least 5 years and be in good standing with CPRS. The year-long process to earn the designation requires candidates to successfully apply their communications knowledge in an ethical and professional manner.
“I think it makes you a better professional communicator. On the foundation of ethics, strategy, and creativity, the accreditation process is an examination of a candidate’s ability to demonstrate value when it’s needed most. I think candidates are looking for that challenge when they apply,” Marr says.
If you’re interested in obtaining your APR head to https://cprs.ca/accreditation/ for more information.
