– Katie Tangney
As I approach the end of my senior year of college, I find myself faced with that big, looming question on the horizon – what will I do when I graduate? I will be graduating with a degree in communication and a minor in economics. This experience gives me a pretty broad range of opportunities to pursue. As Dr. Seuss would say, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” But what direction is that?
I have concentrated my communication degree on the study of public relations. This specialization requires me to take courses such as public relations writing, public relations campaigns, and even a course that considers the development of the profession throughout history to prepare me for a career in PR – if I so choose.
After getting first-hand experience in public relations during my time as an intern at Buchanan, I have come to experience some of the many reasons a career in public relations might be just what I am looking for following graduation. I have learned so many more valuable lessons about this field throughout my internship than I have in the classroom, and they all point me in the direction of public relations.
- It will never be obsolete.
With technology becoming an ever-growing threat to many people’s livelihoods by replacing jobs that humans have been doing for years, it is wise to consider a career that is not in danger of extinction. Organizations will always need to maintain positive relationships with the public, as well as come up with new and exciting ways to build a great public image. A computer cannot generate the ideas needed to help a client establish their desired reputation, not to mention understand a client’s needs and wants or respond to a crisis in an individualized and personalized way. The services of public relations firms will always be in demand.
- It is constantly evolving.
Public relations leverages the evolution of technology and social media to its advantage. Advances in technology and social media trends bring more opportunities for PR firms to promote their clients and help them reach their goals. There are always new ways to learn how to communicate, and doing so is essential to giving your clients a competitive edge.
- It is dynamic.
I have found PR to be a very integrated discipline. You use many different skills and interact with multiple fields, including journalism, marketing, advertising and more. You are essentially the jack-of-all trades for your client. A well-structured PR campaign will use many different forms of promotion to provide the target market with specific information to benefit your client.
- You never have the same day twice.
The dynamic nature of this profession ensures that you will never have the same day twice. The myriad projects that are unique to each client will keep you on your toes, and your mind open to new ways to publicize your client’s mission. Not to mention the potentially diverse group of clients with whom you get to work. No two tasks will ever be the same!
- You can unlock your creativity.
I would consider public relations to be an art. A public relations specialist must be creative and innovative. The scope of what you can do within a public relations campaign is large, and there is no limit to the tools you can use to accomplish your goals. While many other jobs lack the opportunity to think outside the box, public relations allows you that flexibility when serving your clients.
- It is rewarding.
Being able to work directly with your clients on a personal level to understand how you can help them is extremely rewarding. Your success depends on the success you bring your clients, and that is the best motivation.
What are some reasons you chose public relations?