Robyn’s Nest

Eek, I start my CIPR Diploma on Saturday and I have to say I’m quietly shatting my pants about it, for the following reasons:

• It’s been 10 years since I left college and I’ve forgotten how to learn in that sort of environment
• I’ll no doubt get loads of homework
• I’m not 100 per cent clear on what I’ll be learning (my fear of the unknown kicking in, although I know it will help me loads in my new job)
• I’ll feel intimidated by all the suave and sophisticated PR bods in my class (eek, I said the word “class” - I feel so old!)
• It will mean giving up some of my precious Saturdays (although no pain, no gain as the saying goes)
• It’s in London and means getting on a train (those of you who know me will be aware I don’t use trains very often, or very well, and they make me panic)
• My equally frustrating inability to use the tube means I’m choosing to walk for up to an hour to get there (actually a good thing as it’s exercise, but I won’t be so keen if it’s raining)

A big part of me is excited to be learning about things that will (hopefully) make me better at my job and to network with other PR/comms bods with interesting stories to tell.

I guess I feel a little unprepared. The information I’ve received about starting the course has been limited - all I know is where I need to go, what time I need to be there and that I need to read a few chapters of a PR book before arrival.

But the book info only came last week (not much time to order said book and skim the pages) and I had to phone to find out what time the tutorial ended so I could organise a train home. What do I need to take with me? What will happen on the first day? And, most importantly, what should I wear?

Aghh, you can tell I’m a journo - I hate unanswered questions. Anyways, I’m sure it’ll work out fine and dandy and I will embrace this new challenge as I do any other - with enthusiasm and a little bit of trepidation.