OCNews

����SM students enrolled in Crisis Communications will have their public speaking skills put to the test at a mock media conference in front of over 100 of their professors, peers, friends, family and members of the Okanagan media.

(Media are invited to attend the sessions to be held at OC’s Kelowna campus Thursday from 6:30 to 9:20 p.m. in the OC Theatre)

Six student teams will be acting as representatives of companies that are facing a simulated crises occurring in the public eye. Their task will be to address an aggressive media panel who will be asking tough, unscripted questions.

“Assignments like this help us apply practical strategies to address high-pressure scenarios that could very-well happen to us,” said Michaela Dew, a third-year marketing student at OC.  “As a Business student at OC, being able to take a wide breadth of applied learning courses means we not only discuss current events and real issues, but we get in the driver's seat and explore how we might handle these situations in our own careers."

The purpose of this assignment is to create authentic media conference conditions, providing students a relevant experience in media relations and crisis management as part of a speciality program in Communications.

“These skills are essential for managing crises in real-world corporate environments and ensuring that companies maintain positive favour with their public,” said Michael Saad, faculty member in the OC communications department. “I’d like to thank all members of the community, both internally here at ����SM and our external partners and supporters, including members of the local media who took the time to come out.”

The specialty offers opportunities into the on-demand world of communications where skilled workers are needed to support businesses and communicate with the public using social media, websites and in-person media events.

“As a mature student with years of work experience, I have faced crises in my career — an inevitable reality in any workplace,” said fourth-year business student Treena Harley. “In those moments, stress can make effective communication and balanced decision-making even more challenging, especially without the proper training and practice we are receiving at OC.”

Other courses offered in the specialty include public relations, podcasting, public speaking, content creation, and AI and communication. The specialty is one of several available to students within the school’s Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Computer Information Systems programs. As well, these courses are part of the Advanced Certificate in Communications, a designation popular among working professionals.

“As the world continues to change and skilled professionals are needed across multiple sectors and industries, ����SM is creating unique learning opportunities, that have direct connections to the workplace,” said OC President Neil Fassina. “Providing real-world training and helping learners expand their skillsets and experience is what we do at OC, and this event is a great example of how our programs are providing these opportunities.”

For more information on ����SM programs go to okanagancollege.ca.