Initially, when I decided to study public relations along with my marketing degree I was often told that 'if your good with people, you will be good at PR'.
Although being able to relate well to people is essential, after finishing my internship at the Department for Communities, I came to realise there's much more to it.
In reality, to survive in the industry and to reach a level where you are viewed by your peers as a credible, pr practitioner involves being able to write well, being organised and having good diplomacy skills.
To be honest, I am very skeptical as to how successful I will be in the industry because at this point in time there is a great deal I need to work on.
During my time spent at the DfC, I was amazed in how organised the other nine communication consultants were. Throughout my degree I don't think I had every really used post-it notes to remind me of different things I had to get done, or had ever used the 'Microsoft task manager' to keep me up to date with work I still had to do. My first day on the job, Gemma who is a level 8 senior communication consultant, a pr guru in my opinion would have almost used a whole book of post-it notes and sent so many emails throughout the day, I lost count.
So yes, there are definitely things I need to work on if I'm serious about doing well in the pr profession. I need to improve upon my writing skills, organisational skills and the ability to multi-task more effectively and meet deadlines.
There are however other skills that I feel are just as important as those previously mentioned. I do feel as though I have good negotiation skills, a sound business sense, problem solving skills, I'm flexible, always try to have a proactive attitude and a sense of humor. I'm also willing to 'get my hands dirty'-I think it's important to make yourself as useful in the workplace as possible-it's not beneath your dignity to make coffee or sweep the office entrance or stack the staff dishwasher machine even though it might be the secretary's responsibility.
I also strongly believe you need to have an innate self-confidence and level of integrity if you want to do well in the industry.
So, if you’re reading this and your starting to stress out, don't! There are still so many things I have to work on, but I'm confident I can improve. Where to from here...
At this point in time, I think I will definitely try and get some work in the pr profession. Whether it is for a consultancy, in-house, not-for-profit or government I'm undecided. Hopefully I won't have to do too much more voluntary pr work because I'm broke.
This will be my last blog for PR393, I wish all you guys the best for your future aspirations and hope you have a great summer, regards
5 comments:
I completely agree with you. Organisation is a problem I have to work on myself. I am quite a spontaneous and erratic person and have have quite a few stress sessions due to this vice. While completing my work experience I have also found the use of post-its advantageous. My laptop keyboard is covered in them, as well ad the post-it function on my desktop.
I think a 'people person' nature is the first step to becoming a successful PR Practitioner, but you also need the drive and passion for the organisation you are working for. Writing skills can be worked on, but if you really believe in something, it comes across in your writing and communication.
Depending on what organisation you work for, there may not be an emphasis on formal writing skills as well. My work experience is at an independent record label, and on my first day my mentor told me that my biggest asset is my personality. In short, he wanted me to be casual and open so people (media) can get to know me, but also understand that formalities are appreciated in the right situations.
I think it's all about finding your niche`, there are many facets to PR and you just need to find where you fit best.
Goodluck Dusty!
You make some very good points Dusty - I found that in the PR department organisation is essential, as well as proficient writing skills and a 'can-do' attitude. However, things like using post-it notes and Task Manager are things which you learn as you go, because you realise it makes your life so much easier! I don't work in the PR field at the moment, but I work in an office and I go through an unbelieveable amount of post-its! It's something I just picked up becuase it makes my job easier.
Like Bo Ra said, it's about finding your 'niche' - you may not even need Task Manager or post-its to stay on top of things, everyone operates in different ways, none more superior than others!
And that's the same for writing skills - that is always something that can be improved!
So congrats for completing your internship, it sounds like you had a great experience!
Amanda
Hi there,
I totally agree with you.
I was once told that i am a 'people person' years before i decided to take PR as one of my majors.
After working in 2 different companies, i realised that having good writing skills and being oraganised is very important.
However, i would also have to agree with Bo Ra about being a 'people person' is the first step to becoming a succesful PR practitioner.
Based on this, i would also like to say, being a 'people person' IS the first step; but some people are not a 'people person' when they first enterd the industry. But they managed to be one along the way.
Anyway, hope you continue having fun at your placement.
Cheers,
Sharon
Hi Dusty
You made some very good point there.
Many people who are outside the PR world does not understand the definition of PR. They think of PR mostly as 'people person'.
With us doing the study, we have learn that PR is more than that. We have to be accurate on what we write and make sure it makes sense and have good skills at it. PR's work is also based on being organised as you have mentioned.Those skills will become perfect in time with much practicing and spirit to make it better each time.
Like Sharon added, a lot of people come in the PR industry with no "people person" skills and this is developed throughout their career in the industry.
I hoope you manage to settle your mind in which PR field you want to work in. Good luck in your career.
Judeline
Dusty, good points in your story.
Well, I think, that maybe the common sense and psychology for a PR fresh person face before he/she initiate the pr tasks. No doubtably, what you mentioned about the certification of PR practitioners , no matter which one, we must have the basic ability to involve in this industry.
However, is it to say, you will be smooth in the future? No, I agree with BoRa said, "a people person nature is the first step to becoming a successful PR practitioner", to be honest, I also face the dilemma recently when I prepare to send my CV to apply for a position called "PR and sale executive", actually, I was confused by this title, how PR can connect to the saling? we know, it is not about the skills of saling, but a image promotion for the organization. Whatever, I was about to try. In fact, I don't have the confidence to get this job.
And also, my friend don't think I can do it in this industry. Becasue he considers me, I am not a active person, I am not a aggressive exploiter. because just like what BoRa's mentor told . the biggest asset is own personality, if you want to do it, you have to found your highlights which can help you to survive in PR, not only the hard skills such as writing, planning,the key essence for PR professions is a scence or skills of how to make the reletion with people, you know, you have to polish yourself from visual lookings to the personal charm that make people trust you.(of course, it is not a liar)
Thank you! I think I will consider it again, to find which is fiiting to me in the industry.
Good luck for everyone!
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