Ingrid Larkin
Queensland President and national Board member, Public Relations Institute of Australia
Written by Kimberly Boscarin on 2010-10-12
The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) represents public relations and communications professionals in Australia. PRIA is listed in the Regulatory, Advisory, and Funding Bodies category of the Brisbane Media Map Ingrid Larkin is the Queensland President and national Board member of PRIA.
Describe a typical day in your role as Queensland President of Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)
Like most roles, there’s no typical day! The roles on the Queensland Council of the PRIA, including the role of President, are voluntary. I probably spend about 10 hours each week working on activities and commitments for the PRIA. In my role as Queensland President, I’m also a member of the national board for PRIA. At a local level, I work on everything from organising a speaker for a professional development workshop, working with other Council members on networking events, meeting with new members of PRIA. At a national level, I present local perspectives on national issues for the industry – from continuing professional development and other services for members, recruiting and servicing members, awards, accreditation of university programs in public relations, and broader policy issues that impact our industry. It’s quite busy!
Best and worst part of your job?
Best part is working with people from across Australia and internationally who are committed to professional practice of public relations and continuing to advance the industry. I get to work with great people who are enthusiastic, energetic and committed. Most of the time, it’s lots of fun! The worst part is not being able to do as much as I’d like. All board members serve in a voluntary capacity, so we need to be realistic about our commitments and prioritise projects and activities. We’re supported by a great team of staff in our national office, but the strategic decision making and often leadership on implementation of activities is driven by the board.
If you had to give one piece of advice to a professional entering the media and PR industry, what would it be?
Establish, grow and maintain your networks. I think in most industries now, but particularly in media and public relations, the networks of people you work with are really vital to your own success and career. You need to make time and put in the effort to nurture and develop those networks. Locally, the PRIA offers events specifically tailored for new practitioners, which are great opportunities to establish networks.
What challenges (if any), does your company face in regards to new media technologies?
As the peak industry body for public relations in Australia, the PRIA must continue to provide training and research to equip members with the knowledge and skills to integrate new media technologies into the strategy and implementation of public relations.
How did you get your position as QLD President?
All the Council roles are elected by PRIA members in each State or territory.
What does PRIA do to facilitate the careers of recent graduates?
The PRIA works very closely with universities offering accredited degrees across Australia. PRIA councillors and members speak regularly at events and in classes across these institutions. The PRIA also sponsors a number of awards for high performing students in accredited degree programs. The new practitioner networks across Australia are also excellent networking and professional development forums for recent graduates and current students. In 2011, the PRIA is specifically targeting benefits and activities for new and emerging practitioners. I’m leading a national working party and I expect there’s going to be some exciting new developments!
What can we expect to see from PRIA in the next 12 months?
Big things! We’re continuing to grow our national professional development program to give all members access to a range of training and development opportunities. We’ll continue to represent public relations professionals across a range of policy and other issues. At a local level, we’ll be working specifically to extend the networking and development opportunities for PRIA members at new practitioner, middle and more experienced levels of practice.