“Manage your time, network, and take advantage of the collaborative environment," advises Lara Thompson, a dynamic graduate from the Public Relations program at PACE. Graduating in September 2023, Lara now excels as a Communications Specialist at 1JustCity, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, food insecurity, and isolation.

Lara’s academic journey at PACE was characterized by an immersive learning experience that deeply enhanced her skills in public relations and strategic communications. "It was a rewarding experience that deepened my knowledge and expertise in public relations and communications," she shares. Lara credits her success to the highly accomplished leaders and instructors at PACE, whose real-life experiences and insights into Canadian markets provided her with a solid foundation for her career.

The practical application of classroom knowledge was a significant aspect of her education. Lara and her classmates engaged in projects and assignments that mirrored real-world organizational challenges, preparing them for their future roles. "We worked on different assignments that gave us a brief view into what organizations go through and what our roles would be as communications people in these organizations," Lara explains. This hands-on approach was crucial in developing her ability to manage projects effectively, a skill she now applies daily at 1JustCity.

In her role, Lara is responsible for crafting and disseminating the organization's message, ensuring that it reaches and resonates with the intended audiences. Her work is vital in raising awareness about the services provided by 1JustCity and in attracting the necessary support to aid the community effectively. "This program has been very rewarding because it's helped me to be valuable at my job and to do the things that would help me be effective at my role," she states.

Lara's advice to current PACE students is to embrace the diverse and inclusive environment that PACE offers. Working with peers from various backgrounds and nationalities not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for diverse workplace settings where different perspectives are crucial for success. "PACE has a very vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community," she notes, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration.

Lara Thompson
Communications Specialist
1JustCity