PR internship at University of Social Sciences and Humanities: A valuable subject in a student's life

First Practice: Internal Communications

We have been eagerly waiting for the Da Nang - Hoi An trip as a compulsory internship for 2nd year students of Public Relations. This activity helps students have the opportunity to step out of the university classroom to learn practical experience in communication at businesses and organizations; realizing the training policy of closely combining theory with practice of the Institute of Journalism and Communication and the School. With the enthusiastic and loving guidance of the captain of the trip - Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Head of the PR-Advertising Department, Institute of Journalism and Communication - we had a "valuable" trip full of expertise but no less romantic and emotional. 100% of K63 Public Relations students participating in the field trip is an extremely impressive number, because there are rarely any classes or trips that students participate in so much. So how can we get everyone to participate, when the cost of the field trip is mostly contributed by the students? There were debates, opposing opinions, different circumstances, but in the end, with the great efforts of the teachers and students in internal communication, the trip took off with an absolute number of students. More than 2/3 of the 80 students were on a plane for the first time, many of them were touching the blue sea for the first time in their lives. "Each person for everyone, everyone for one", "leave no one behind" is the first communication lesson to overcome differences, create consensus, and internal solidarity that we learned before setting out to conquer the "Central Heritage Road". And this special subject also brought us many other unexpected lessons.

K63 Public Relations students set out to conquer the "Central Heritage Road" at Noi Bai Airport

Doing media: 1% luck and 99% passion

Our first professional exchange was with the media staff at the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An - Deputy Director in charge of the Center shared some really good stories, proving that the success of Da Nang tourism today has an important contribution from the media work. People know a livable Da Nang, a clean and beautiful environment, beautiful beaches and civilized services thanks to comprehensive media activities, diverse expressions on many mass media channels. Every day, the media team at the Center works with 200% of their energy. In particular, the unique and impressive Viral Videos about Da Nang tourism are made by only two staff members of the Center. Always coming up with new ideas and not being afraid of difficulties and challenges are the qualities of a media person. Ms. An also shared with us the recent achievements in Da Nang's media activities:“After 5 years and 2 logo design contests, campaigning on a national scale, Da Nang has become the first province to have its own logo for the tourism industry. The logo is highly stylized about the diversity and youthful vitality of Da Nang with strong lines and vibrant colors. With the new logo and brand identity, Da Nang tourism will create a deeper and more impressive positioning in the hearts of domestic and foreign tourists.”When asked about the factors that make each communication campaign successful for Da Nang, Ms. An said:“Success is 1% luck and 99% love for what you do.”Each realized media idea is a brainchild bearing a strong personal creative imprint, sometimes having to go through a period of pain, sweat and tears, thinking and working tirelessly to have successful products.

Interview with Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An - Deputy Director in charge of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center

Expressing his feelings after the exchange, Trieu Kim Truong said:“What an inspiring sharing session. You guys have given me more motivation to love my chosen career even more, reminding myself to be more creative and dedicated to PR.”Nguyen Khanh Ly said: "I am very impressed with Hoai An's sharing. The media profession is very practical and to get good results, you cannot just talk but must practice, be passionate and methodical."

Class K63 took a souvenir photo with Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An

Building a brand from cultural imprints

This was another wonderful experience for us on this trip. Leaving Da Nang for Hoi An, we visited Hoi An Impression Theme Park located entirely on Con Hen. The park is like a pearl in the middle of the Hoai River, like a boat taking us back in time to one of the busiest trading ports in Asia in the 16th-17th centuries and bringing the memories of Hoi An 400 years ago back to contemporary people. Here, we had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Pham Truong Quoc Vuong - Head of Communications Department of Hoi An Impression Theme Park. To retain tourists coming here, Mr. Vuong shared: "With the characteristics of a cultural theme park, we always have to create new impressions, experiences and promote them positively and widely to the community". As a communications manager, he still maintains the habit of watching shows regularly, constantly contemplating to constantly create new media content and expressions. "Love the products you make, devote yourself to your work to create good products, and then the products will support you" -Mr. Vuong's confession made a deep impression on his juniors in the profession. Our group enjoyed "Hoi An Memories" - the largest live show in Southeast Asia, combining new forms of performing arts with elements such as stage performances, lighting, special effects and performances by 500 actors. What's more special is that all the actors participating are park employees, well-trained in stage performances, and during the day they still do their normal jobs such as driving, hosting, serving tourists... but at night, they are real artists who create the soul of the show.

Mr. Pham Truong Quoc Vuong - Head of Communications Department, Hoi An Impression Theme Park

K63 students listen attentively at the exchange session

Nguyen Quynh Anh commented: “The show is imbued with the history and culture of Hoi An. I was amazed that Hoi An of the 17th century was recreated so realistically.To create such an attractive cultural program, the people who make it must have a deep understanding of the culture and history of the place. We learned another lesson, which is that people working in communications need to have good interdisciplinary knowledge, a deep understanding of local culture and society, and the ability to connect and organize to bring media products to the public.

World-class professional live show "Hoi An Memories"

The trip left a deep impression in the hearts of second-year students majoring in Public Relations with the sharing of Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen:“Practical learning hours like this trip will help students gain more passion, confidence and enthusiasm for the profession. It is impossible to learn PR just by sitting in the classroom, students must be gradually “immersed” in practical environments, exposed to good experts, and see the vast and colorful world to ignite and nurture the flame of endless creativity within themselves…! Professional practice is therefore a subject that acts as a bridge to help students connect with themselves, with friends, colleagues and society.”

K63 students in Hoi An ancient town

As for us, we always look forward to such trips and useful learning hours. So that our love for the cultural and historical heritage of our homeland will grow, so that new, more creative and respectful thoughts about the media profession can flourish and take off.