C&F Porter Novelli, Nigeria’s leading business advisor in strategic communications, is set to make history next month when the first class graduate from its innovative PR Fundamentals Internship Programme.
The programme, which commenced in February 2011, involved a highly competitive selection process. Of the over 230 applicants, four were eventually shortlisted and inducted for the 12-month, paid internship. Through the duration of the programme, these interns have been partnered with experienced professionals who have taken them through both classroom and on-the-job training.
According to Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, the Chairman/CEO of C&F Porter Novelli, the objective of this initiative is to contribute to the human resource development of the Nigerian public relations industry.
“Nigeria is suffering a deficit of Public Relations talent making it difficult to both staff and to develop the industry,” he said. “There is a need to foster a pool of talented and innovative individuals who can be identified and engaged by the Public Relations industry. Our annual internship programme seeks to help develop that talent and generate thought leadership on growing the industry.”
Accolades have trailed this initiative as C&F Porter Novelli has received international recognition for pioneering this programme. C&F Porter Novelli’s international affiliate, Porter Novelli listed the PR Fundamentals Internship Programme among its ‘Most Innovative Initiatives for the Year 2011’.
The company’s Head of the Human Resources, Victoria Nwoji, expressed satisfaction that the objectives of the initiative have been achieved. “This programme was designed to take care of the deficiency of talents in our industry,” she said. “They are supposed to become the next generation of well-trained PR professionals for the industry. With their graduation, these candidates will get their certificates and can work at any PR agency they choose. We can also absorb some of them if the room exists.”
One of the interns, Busola Olujemisin, said she has enjoyed the experience, especially as she had to implement PR strategies prepared by the company for a variety of the clients in the agency’s wide portfolio.
“I have enjoyed working on all the accounts because it has pushed me out of my comfort zone; working not just in Marketing but through the Corporate and Public Affairs disciplines of Public Relations means gaining a wider understanding of PR than what normally transpires” she said. “My internship programme has been quite engaging. I have learnt things and done things I normally wouldn’t be able to do before I joined C&F Porter Novelli.”
A formal graduation ceremony for the interns will hold on February 21 at the Homegate Resort, Lekki Phase One, Lagos. Stakeholders in the PR industry and selected representatives from our media partners will be on hand to witness the presentation of certificates to the graduates.
Given the success of this programme, C&F Porter Novelli has also announced call-for-applications for the 2012 edition of the PR Fundamentals Internship Programme.
Interested applicants are advised to visit www.candf.com.ng for more information. The application deadline closes February 29, 2012.
About C&F Porter Novelli
The trusted business advisor and leader in strategic communications for West Africa; C&F Porter Novelli has grown and evolved over the years as the driving force in the transformation of the Nigerian public relations business.
They combine an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian and other West African markets, with 360˚ strategic communication skills and a commitment to standards of excellence to influence those that matter most to their clients. The result is strong reputational capital that delivers measurable and competitive business result for clients through transparent actions.