Paule Stei had a lot to celebrate at the summer graduation ceremonies - not only was she graduating with a First Class Public Relations degree and landed a full-time job in her dream career, but she also won the University of Sunderland’s first ever award for Outstanding PR Student of the Year.
The award, sponsored by digital marketing and communications agency DDCA, is presented to a PR graduate at Sunderland, who has consistently demonstrated her ability to perform at a high level.
Paule, from Lithuania, proved she is an exceptional talent during her three years, this commitment to her work landed her the highest grade possible and excelled in all areas.
She said: “It was such a surprise and a great honour to receive this award today and I really did struggle to hold back the tears when my name was read out. This award makes all the hard work and long hours all worthwhile.
“I have loved my time in Sunderland it has given me so many wonderful memories and now I’m starting work straight away. There is no doubt that my decision to study at Sunderland and leave my home country has been the best decision I have ever made. The media facilities are absolutely brilliant.”
Chris Rushton, Head of Journalism & Public Relations, said: “Paule has been an exceptional student throughout her three years with us. It is difficult enough to get a first class honours degree in PR, but to do it in your second language takes real talent and commitment. Paule has both in spades!"
Congratulating Paule on her award, DDCA manager Anna-Maria Cooney, who also graduated from Sunderland in 2012, said: “DDCA have four Sunderland PR graduates working on our team, myself included, so we are proud to sponsor the award for 'outstanding PR student of the year'. It is a fantastic achievement to leave University with and I wish Paule the best of luck in her future career.”
That hard work and dedication has paid off as she has also recently been appointed to the team at North East PR consultancy MHW as a graduate intern.
The 21-year-old joins the business to business consultancy as a PR and marketing assistant. She will be contributing to the business in a dual role, split between office administration and client handling.
Paule said: “I am delighted to join MHW as it is such a great place to work. I initially joined the Newcastle consultancy for a part-time role in March and got the full-time contract soon after I finished my university course.
“I was over the moon, when I was offered the full-time role, as I really enjoyed working for MHW part time. It’s an amazing feeling to get a graduate job that you really love even before your actual graduation.”
Paule’s family travelled from her hometown of Kaunas in Lithuania, to see her graduate alongside thousands of others this week, in a ceremony presided over by University of Sunderland Chancellor Steve Cram.