10 Things You Need To Know About Public Relations | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things You Need To Know About Public Relations

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some hire public relations officers.

2063
10 Things You Need To Know About Public Relations
WordPress

"Public relations is a strategic communication processthat builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics."

Public relations is a field of study that offers broad methods that can essentially influence and change society's point of view. It helps benefit the organization and/or the company on whose behalf you are working. Often people do not understand what PR is, nor do they understand the depth of what a job in PR can entail. This is to clear the air for all PR professionals out there, as well as those PR majors that so often get a raised eyebrow when they tell others what they are currently studying.

1. No, we did not choose PR as an "easy route" to getting a degree.

There are lots of academic journeys to choose from, maybe I'm not good with solving mathematical equations and unraveling a scientific formula to conclude an experiment. Maybe I'm not made to be a nurse or a psychologist. Maybe PR is just something that makes sense for me like those do with you: with its own way of identifying methods, developing strategic plans, and communicating messages effectively.

2. "So, you have a relation with the public?"

Well, yes, but there are many avenues you can go down to reach your audience(s). There are multiple ways to identify who and how your public views something -- PR is all about strategically communicating with diverse publics to show the importance of something, and also its why. It is about forming that relationship with the public -- in whichever field and occupation that helps reach that public.

3. Our profession is needed in a series of occupations in the world.

PR specialists are taking the business world by storm. With the wide range of roles that PR entails, it is absolutely needed to help a company and/or organization to be successful. PR work is vital to help improve the in-demand and constantly changing world that we live in. A few examples of the industries that need PR professionals: nonprofit, entertainment, government, sports, etc.

4. We're known as "mini-experts" about numerous things.

Being a PR major, I have noticed this so often. PR majors are taught to learn a lot about a variety of topics -- communication and managing skills, research methods, writing techniques, social media, and also organizing and structuring campaigns for companies to maintain consistency with clients. However, you begin to learn about your surroundings as well -- and to take note of all that there is. Know a little bit about a lot, and it will benefit you even more than you can imagine.

5. Networking and communication are key.

PR provides a way for you to get involved with others and understanding how to build successful relationships with clients that will go a long way. Networking is a way of making the right connections with others, a process of respecting beliefs, and a way to engage in an exchange of needed information -- it's a way of life. Communication is absolutely significant in PR: Communication that is used effectively can transform your company and relationships in life.

6. The importance of working well with others and constructing concise pieces of work.

Building and maintaining good relationships with others is something that PR strives to achieve in order to benefit the company or organization that you are working with. It is about being able to do the company's work effectively and efficiently to benefit its clients' best interest.

7. A proper understanding of skill sets are implemented.

PR involves building and gaining multiple skill sets. When you are dealing with PR work, it is easily seen how important it is to be successful in accomplishing goals. Responsibility, being up-to-date with current events, writing, researching, forming content-related material, identifying ways to reach vast audiences, brainstorming, measuring results, leadership and organizational skills, proper communication tactics, etc. In PR, it is necessary to be actively involved in promoting and doing it the right way.

8. Fundamental ethics are incredibly important.

When working in PR, it is a mutual understanding that your work is honest and true to the core. Integrity, trust, and unique tactics are implemented for an organization so that it can hold itself accountable for its mission -- and its PR person(s) are instrumental in providing the equal value of what the company promotes. You are presenting yourself for the company -- so the ethics are also important to keep in mind.

9. Learning to work like a pro.

There is more to PR than creating press releases, managing social media, case studies, and media kits. It is also helping you to be successful in the real world by its insightful attributes it warmly welcomes. Meeting deadlines, writing coherent and accurate pieces, working in a team with projects are tasks that require numerous responsibilities, professionalism, being punctual, and being able to sense the reality of the world -- in a different light.

10. Making a difference is the motto.

Being able to communicate a message with people in various ways is something that makes PR so unique. However, being able to be relational with the public through the intention of the company's mission statement shows the common ground. It is truly about making a difference in making people content, notified, and aware, but also helping your company with your own personal set of skills that exemplify your brand.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13776
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6006
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4453
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3922
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments