The “Public Relations Practices in the Private Sector” panel, organized by the Department of Public Relations and Promotion of the Near East University Faculty of Communication, brought together professionals working in the sector and students as the future public relations professionals.
In the panel where brand image management, effective media relations and social media strategies were discussed, the importance of digitalization and crisis communication and management issues were assessed with live examples from business life. In the panel, it was emphasized that digitalization in public relations is now an inevitable reality, and the importance of young people using technology in the most efficient way in their profession was emphasized. It was also emphasized that in this way, young people can be more effective in their professions and adapt to the needs of the age.
In the panel moderated by Near East University Faculty of Communication Public Relations and Promotion Department Lecturer Ufuk Altunç, Merit Crystal Cove & Merit Royal Hotels Public Relations Manager Nazan Ulukök and SOS Children’s Village Association Communication Coordinator Simge Özkan took part as speakers. The panel, which continued in the form of mutual questions and answers, was attended by Near East University Faculty of Communication Deputy Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Dolunay and ended with Public Relations and Promotion Department Head Assist. Prof. Dr. Kamil Kanıpek presenting a certificate of appreciation to the participants.
The opening speech of the panel held at the Near East University Faculty of Communication Orange Hall was made by Near East University Faculty of Communication Deputy Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Dolunay. In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dolunay touched upon the importance of collaborations with industry representatives. Ayhan Dolunay emphasized that sharing knowledge and experience has great importance on the efficiency of students’ career development. Stating that the panel will be of great benefit to the participants, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dolunay stated that Near East University always supports such projects and handed over the floor to the first speaker of the panel.
The work in the sector was explained with real examples!
Merit Crystal Cove & Merit Royal Hotels Public Relations Manager Nazan Ulukök, who spoke first in the panel, shared information about the standards of the sector, guest satisfaction and the structure of the sector. Talking about public relations studies in the field of hotel management, Ulukök told the students about the hotel operation process and working conditions in hotels. Ulukök, who presented the daily routines of the employees in the public relations unit and their roles in various activities with real examples, explained what kind of day the employees had and what responsibilities they assumed. In the process of formation of corporate social responsibility projects, Ulukök, who explained the stages of idea, need, planning, implementation, supervision and beyond with sample campaigns, explained to the students in detail how these projects are to be implemented.
Possible problems they may be encountered in business life and solution suggestions were also discussed!
Another speaker of the panel, SOS Children’s Village Association Communication Coordinator Simge Özkan, gave important information to the students about possible problems they may encounter in business life and solution suggestions. Focusing especially on issues such as corporate brand, image, reputation, corporate culture and standards, and drawing attention to how these elements are reflected in the activities of an institution, Özkan emphasized that different institutions have different purposes and target audiences, and public relations and communication strategies may change accordingly. In her presentation, Özkan also expressed how public relations are carried out in civil society and offered students an important perspective on the difficulties they may encounter in the business world and strategies to overcome these difficulties.