As part of a new blog series here at The Agency, we have been reaching out to notable communications professionals to ask them a few questions about their experiences in the industry. For our first post we chatted with PR professional Allison MacKenzie, a member of the Faculty of Communications Studies at Mount Royal University.
Allison MacKenzie, ABC, MBA
Acting Chair, Public Relations
Associate Professor
Faculty of Communications Studies, Mount Royal University
@amackenzie
LinkedIn
Why do you work in PR/communications?
I love the project-based nature of PR and the diversity of the work, as well as the challenges each new opportunity presents in terms of strategy, people, diversity of work and ever evolving tools and technologies.
What do you see as the future direction of the industry?
My scuffed and battered crystal ball indicates that while the fundamental purpose of our work will remain the same, we are moving at hyperspeed towards a 24/7 cycle in a demanding, interconnected viral environment. The combination of connective technologies such as smart phones, combined with increasingly engaged, critical stakeholders, will continue to create new pressures and challenges for communicators.
Tell us about your guilty media pleasure
So guilty. I reward myself for task completion, good days… and bad days… with a steady stream of Candy Crush and Scrabble, Buzz Feed, YouTube videos and Ted Talks, as well as way too many episodes of whatever is trending on Netflix. Fortunately, I am a multitasker. Or these guilty pleasures would be my downfall.
What’s your biggest/best work related accomplishment?
It’s been seven years since I joined Mount Royal University as a tenured instructor. I feel incredibly honored and privileged to work with the next generation of talented public relations practitioners – it’s by far my greatest work related accomplishment.
What PR initiative have you done that you are you most proud of?
In 2006, the Alberta Government agreed to feature our province as a living exhibit at the Smithsonian FolkLife Festival in Washington DC. I was chosen to serve on the organizing committee and subsequently attended the festival and hosted a booth for the University of Calgary featuring Light Up the World. The Festival, which took place on the Mall in DC from June 30 to July 11, showcased Alberta’s arts, cuisine, aboriginal culture, and technology to an estimated 100,000 visitors from around the globe.
Thank you, Allison!
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