The chance to promote Bathurst's annual National Cool Climate Wine Show (NCCWS) was an invaluable experience for Charles Sturt University (CSU) students who are prospective public relations (PR) practitioners.

The three students from School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst undertook the practical work experience placement as part of their Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations).

Student Ms Gabriella Hooper said, "The project required our PR team - Rochelle Ritchie, Jack Renshaw, and me - to assist in the organisation and publicity of two events; the Judges' Dinner at The Carrington in Keppel Street, and the Public Wine Tasting at the Bathurst Showground on Friday 17 October.

"This hands-on industry experience has significantly boosted my skills in social media coordination, news writing, strategic planning, and event management, and has given me a competitive advantage which will be very useful when I set out in the workforce," she said.

For PR student Ms Rochelle Ritchie, working alongside the NCCWS Committee was 'an amazing opportunity' to help publicise and be part of a nationally recognised event, and allowed her to meet some of the most influential local and national cool climate wine makers.

"Working with the Bathurst Regional Vigneron's Association, and in particular Mr Donald Alexander, has given me the chance to improve my writing ability and learn more about the process of planning and executing events," Ms Ritchie said.

"Helping to publicise the NCCWS gave me the chance to explore my strengths and interest in media relations and publicity. Working with WIN TV News and the Western Advocate newspaper in Bathurst to promote the NCCWS public tasting has given me a rare opportunity to learn about media relations first-hand. It has allowed me to put myself out there and gain experience in all aspects of planning an event.

"The best thing about this work placement was working with two of my classmates in their final-year at University, and being supported and guided every step of the way by our lecturer, Donald Alexander. Working through queries and steps of planning an event with a guiding hand has allowed me to further my skills. It was great to work alongside two classmates and friends because it gave us a rare opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and learn where our strengths lie."

PR lecturer Mr Donald Alexander said CSU PR students have a competitive edge in the employment market because of the significant practical experience they engage in during their studies.

"This always means working with a real client, developing a communication strategy that might involve creating social media platforms or writing media material and interacting with journalists, or creating an event, such as a fundraiser for the University's community radio station 2MCE-FM, or preparing a new range of print materials for a community not-for-profit organisation," Mr Alexander said.

"These real-time activities contribute to them being 'job-ready', and that is why they find work quickly in the industry after graduation. Charles Sturt University public relations graduates have a higher than 86 per cent employment rate. From my experience dealing with the major public relations firms in Sydney, they view Charles Sturt University as their principal source of graduate recruits."