The Comms Major Podcast

Episode 7 Season 1: From Journalism to PR (and more on AI in Comms)

George Van Rooyen may be familiar to some communications students at University Canada West, where he teaches upper-level courses including crisis communications. George comes from journalism and then made the move to public relations. At the time of taping this episode, George was a senior manager of media and communications for Flyover, an event company in Vancouver. He was also president of the Canadian Public Relations Society, Vancouver chapter. George is now an account director at C Suite Content, a consulting firm helping senior executives create compelling thought leadership content. In his conversation with co-host Karen Tankard, George talked about his transition from journalism to PR, the use of AI in the communications industry, a typical day on the job, and offered advice to students and new communicators.

Episode 6 Season 1: The Importance of Mentorship to Achieve Your Goals

Marzia continues her conversation with Wahiba, diving into her involvement with the BC chapter of the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators). As a self-described introvert who wasn't a fan of large networking events, Marzia found IABC's focused community of communications professionals much more approachable. She volunteered her way up from student member to Director of the Students and New Communicators Portfolio, and eventually to President of the chapter. She shares practical advice on finding mentors—from joining formal programs to simply sending a LinkedIn message (because apparently, most people are willing to help if you just ask). Marzia also opens up about earning a spot on BC Business's Top 30 Under 30 list, expressing deep gratitude for the mentors who helped her get there and how the recognition amplified Glow Within Foundation's mission. The episode wraps with her advice for new communications graduates: be strategic in your learning, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and stay curious. Plus, her take on keeping communication human in the age of AI. Learn More about Marzia and the IABC/BC using the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzia-sager/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzia-sager/] https://iabc.bc.ca/ [https://iabc.bc.ca/]  Learn more about Wahiba's work and connect with her on LinkedIn WahibaChair.com [http://wahibachair.com]  http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair [http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair] Learn more about Karen's work and connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/] Follow @TheCommsMajor on LinkedIn and join the conversation using #TheCommsMajor

Episode 5 Season 1: A Non-Traditional Path to Communications

Marzia Sager was on track to become a pediatrician - until she realized the passion just wasn't there. So she pivoted into communications, and hasn't looked back. Today, Marzia is the Communications and Advancement Lead at PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, where she crafts strategies to share the organization's stories and impact with key stakeholders. She's also the co-founder of the Glow Within Foundation, empowering female-identifying high school students through education in mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Her social impact work has earned her recognition on BC Business's Top 30 Under 30 list and the 2022 IABC/BC Making Waves Award, given to an outstanding new communicator. After years of volunteering, she currently serves as President of the BC Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. In this episode, Marzia opens up about her unconventional journey and offers honest advice for anyone whose path to their dream career isn't exactly a straight line. Learn More about Marzia and the IABC/BC using the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzia-sager/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzia-sager/] https://iabc.bc.ca/ [https://iabc.bc.ca/]  Learn more about Wahiba's work and connect with her on LinkedIn WahibaChair.com [http://wahibachair.com]  http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair [http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair] Learn more about Karen's work and connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/] Follow @TheCommsMajor on LinkedIn and join the conversation using #TheCommsMajor

Bonus Episode 1 Season 1: Network Your Way Into Your First Job

Professor and The Comms Major co-host Wahiba Chair recently invited Vancouver communicator Kelsea Arbour to speak to her communication capstone class (WORK 490) at University Canada West. Not long ago, Kelsea was a student herself at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's PR program. Now she's a Communications Specialist at FortisBC. What got her there? After applying to over 100 jobs post-graduation, it was a connection that unexpectedly led to her first job in communications. Her biggest takeaway from her job search? Spend less time sending resumes and more time networking.  Since being a guest speaker, Kelsea has been promoted to Communications Insights Advisor at Fortis BC. Learn More about Kelsea and her background using the link below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseaarbour/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseaarbour/] Learn more about Wahiba's work and connect with her on LinkedIn: WahibaChair.com [http://wahibachair.com]  http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair [http://linkedin.com/in/WahibaChair]  Learn more about Karen's work and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/] Follow @TheCommsMajor on LinkedIn and use #TheCommsMajor to join the conversation.

Episode 4 Season 1: Rashpal Rai on the importance of diversity and not giving up on your dreams

Rashpal Rai was once told that he wouldn’t be a successful communications professional because he wears a turban. But he didn’t listen. Now, he’s one of Vancouver’s most versatile and experienced communication practitioners. Having been involved with the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) for over 25 years, Rashpal shares stories of how the CPRS has influenced his career since he graduated. Rashpal also explains how students and emerging practitioners can benefit from being CPRS members, from getting a foot in the industry to learning insights that aren’t taught in the classroom. A firm believer in giving back, he also talks more about his advocacy work to bring more diversity, equity, and inclusion to the communications field - something he wished had existed when he first started.  Learn More about Rashpal, the CPRS, and the CPRS Vancouver Chapter https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashpalraiapr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashpalraiapr/] https://www.cprs.ca/ [https://www.cprs.ca/] https://www.cprsvancouver.com/ [https://www.cprsvancouver.com/]  Learn more about Karen's work and connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-tankard-ma/] Learn more about Wahiba's work and connect with her on LinkedIn or Bluesky WahibaChair.com [http://wahibachair.com]  http://LinkedIn.com/in/WahibaChair [http://linkedin.com/in/WahibaChair]  https://bsky.app/profile/wahibachair.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/wahibachair.bsky.social] Join the conversation using #TheCommsMajor on LinkedIn and Bluesky.