Why International Students Are a Great Hire in PR and Communications

As a former international student and temporary foreign worker, I find this topic is really close to my heart. As I sit down to pen my first blog on the subject matter, it brings a ride through the memory lane of the time when I was enrolled in PR and Strategic Communications at Durham College.

I have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds worldwide. With their unique blend of cultural insights, linguistic prowess, and innovative thinking, international students are rapidly becoming indispensable assets to the industry. Let’s delve into why these talented individuals are poised to shape the future of PR and Communications.

A cultural understanding tapestry

PR is all about people; where there are people, there is culture! One compelling reason to recruit international students for PR roles is their profound understanding of diverse cultures. Having lived and studied in various countries, they gain firsthand experience with different customs, values, and social norms. This cultural sensitivity is paramount in today’s globalized world, where effective communication transcends borders. When foreign workers claim, they bring ideas from the other side of the world, they mean it!

For instance, a company launching a skincare line targeting diverse skin tones and genders requires a subtle and sensitive approach. An international student with personal experiences in different communities can offer valuable insights into the emotional aspects of branding and messaging, ensuring that the product resonates with its intended audience. This helps companies ensure increased reach, increased engagement and more website visits, making the ‘Call to Action’ successful for a campaign.

International students can provide invaluable insights to tailor campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. By leveraging their cultural knowledge, they can help avoid cultural missteps (which may lead to a PR scandal) and ensure that the message is received positively and effectively.

Linguistic proficiency and multilingual communications

Language skills are the bedrock of effective PR and Communications. International students frequently arrive fluent in multiple languages, a significant asset in our increasingly interconnected world. This linguistic diversity empowers them to:

• Craft compelling messages: Foreign workers can help tailor messages to specific target audiences, ensuring maximum reach, impact and engagement.
• Navigate cultural nuances: Language is more than just words; it’s a cultural code. International students can deftly navigate these nuances, ensuring your message is culturally sensitive, appropriate and effective.
• Forge international relationships: Strong language skills facilitate seamless communication with global stakeholders, fostering robust partnerships and collaborations.

Adaptability and resilience

Relocating to a new country is a significant and drastic life change that requires adaptability and resilience. International students have demonstrated these qualities by successfully navigating academic, professional, and cultural challenges. They are quick learners, open to change, and possess a strong work ethic. Additionally, their living experiences provide them with an open mindset, emotional intelligence, empathy, strong communication skills, networking and openness to new connections, and invaluable life lessons (personal and professional).

These traits are essential for thriving in the fast-paced world of PR and communications. They can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, embrace new technologies, and deliver results under pressure.

Innovative thinking and problem-solving

International students bring a unique and refreshing perspective to the table. Exposure to different educational systems and work cultures enables them to possess creative problem-solving skills. They’re unafraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.

Furthermore, international students have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and resilience. Having navigated cultural transitions and academic challenges, they can quickly adjust to new situations and find innovative solutions to complex problems.

Familiarity with technology

Every company in a different country may be equipped with various technologies or software to operate internally/externally, communicate, and manage databases. Familiarity with different technical tools and management systems makes international students quick learners and easy to train.

I read somewhere that knowing different software is like knowing how to drive. Even if someone is given a new car to drive, it may take him/her a couple of minutes to figure out the specifics, but this doesn’t mean the person doesn’t know how to drive!

Cost-effective talents

International students on student visas often seek part-time or internship opportunities to gain practical Canadian experience. They may be willing to accept lower wages or work for reduced hours, making them a cost-effective option for companies.

New graduates, especially those from international backgrounds, may have lower salary expectations as they enter the workforce. Their eagerness to gain experience and build their careers can be leveraged to secure talent at competitive rates.

A holistic approach to risk management

Effective risk management can help manage and protect an organization’s reputation. Risk management is one of the biggest skills a PR professional must have. International students’ encounters in different workplaces, schools or even their homes equip them with unique solutions to complex problems. A thorough and holistic approach to risk management can add to your skill set. Don’t miss those risk management lessons!

The future is global

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for skilled PR and Communications professionals with a global mindset is rising. International students are uniquely positioned to meet this demand. They possess the cultural understanding, linguistic proficiency, adaptability, and innovative thinking required to succeed in today’s complex and dynamic industry.

Organizations can gain a competitive edge in today’s globalized market by hiring international students. Their unique blend of cultural understanding, linguistic proficiency, emotional intelligence and innovative thinking can significantly enhance the effectiveness of PR and Communications strategies. Embracing diversity and tapping into the talent pool of international students can lead to greater success and long-term growth. You might just discover your next star communicator!

A little story about me

Hi! I am Dazy, and I thank you for being patient enough to reach this point. I graduated from Durham College with a degree in PR and strategic communications. Currently, I work as a social media and communications associate at the Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Durham College.

After living for almost four years in Canada, I have realized that the country has provided me with an opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge about the Canadian PR and communication landscape from some of the country’s renowned professors and mentors. My academic and professional journey encompassed various disciplines, from strategic communications and public relations to social media marketing, copywriting, video editing, graphic design, digital marketing, event coordination, and media relations.

This multi-faceted curriculum equipped me with a versatile skill set, extending beyond core competencies to administrative, logistical, and operational skills. Upon graduation, I embarked on my professional journey, facing the challenges of a competitive job market and economic recession.

Additionally, as an immigrant, I encountered instances of discrimination despite possessing the necessary qualifications and experience. After countless rejections, failed responses, discrimination, giving up and raising again, I remain steadfast in pursuing the Canadian Dream and am committed to overcoming these obstacles.

To all my fellow job-seekers in PR and communications, there is exactly that one position where you will fall in love with your job and everything attached to it. You will be excited to start your working day, and you will capture all the little and, of course, the BIG events at work. You will embrace all the learning curves.

You didn’t come this far to give up. All those sleepless nights will be worth it once you land your dream role. Just don’t give up yet!