RMIT public relations graduate wins B&T 30 Under 30 Award

Truong was one of three winners in the B&T 30 Under 30 Awards’ PR category, celebrated for her achievements at global PR firm, Ogilvy PR Australia.

Presented by NewsMediaWorks, the B&T 30 Under 30 Awards showcases emerging professionals in the marketing communications field.

Although unable to attend the awards night at Ivy in Sydney, Truong said she was ecstatic when she found out the good news.

“I was up against some really impressive applicants who have all done amazing work in their own careers, so I’m delighted to be recognised in the industry award.”

Truong has worked with clients including Target, UNIQLO Australia, National Australia Bank and Medibank during her time at Ogilvy PR.

Her industry experience at Ogilvy PR has also highlighted the importance of creativity in public relations and brand marketing.

“I’ve learnt so much about the importance of being ideas-focused and constantly problem-solving to deliver effective campaigns,” she said.

While the workplace helped her flourish, RMIT’s Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) built the foundational skills Truong needed to enter the workforce.

Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) Program Manager Jenny Robinson said Truong’s success is testament to the grounding provided by the program.

“The program is a launchpad for emerging practitioners in the public relations field,” she said.

“Priscilla is a graduate who has taken those basic skills gained in the degree and continued to grow and learn in ways that have enhanced her career.”

Truong said the variety of skills learnt in practical courses, from developing media content through to managing overarching campaign strategies, prepared her to stand out in a sea of consultants.

“I found the real-life client project in the final year really beneficial, as it provided firsthand experience of how to liaise with a client and run a project from start to finish,” she said.

But she wasn’t always destined to study public relations – in high school, Truong changed her university preferences from fashion design to PR at the last minute.

PR’s transferrable skills and opportunities to work across a broad range of areas eventually convinced her to make the move.

According to Truong, the variety in work life and practitioners’ ability to lead trending conversations is a bonus too.

“PR is a blend of everything, and you’ll never get bored with the countless types of tasks, clients and projects you work on,” she said.

“You’re also at the forefront of the conversation on a variety of topics across media and social media, whether it’s social issues, pop culture or business.”

And for those intimidated by the big personalities in the public relations world, quiet achievers can be just as successful in the business.

“At the end of the day, being someone that people want to work with is key. I believe having strong emotional intelligence can be a powerful tool for working in PR – from being perceptively in tune with your clients’ needs and feelings, through to managing your team’s emotions and expectations,” she said. 

Story: Jennifer Park