Is PR just about being a 'people person'?

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

 

Dusty  

(dustinmcleod1@hotmail.com)

Hit The Ground Running

During my work placement at the Department for Communities (DfC), I feel as though I learnt a great deal in regards to how to conduct yourself in a business environment and what interpersonal qualities I believe are a must if your goal is to work within the pr industry.

My internship involved working within the Community Relations Unit (CRU) within the DfC on behalf of the Government of Western Australia.  The role of the CRU is like any other pr company in that the unit is responsible for the dissemination of communication both internally and externally to its relevant target publics.

I'm sure all of us studying public relations are aware in just how important it is to communicate information to both internal and external publics that is accurate, timely and presented in a professional manner. 

The CRU represents the Minister for Child Protection, Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering and Women’s Interests, Robyn McSweeney and the Minister for Youth, Donna Faragher. So in working within this unit and representing Minister’s of the State Government of WA, the accuracy, timing and professionalism of work presented was very important. 

I mention the importance of having excellent interpersonal skills because initially after realizing the standard of work required and the level of initiative expected at the DfC, I was somewhat skeptical from day one as to how much of a contribution and impression I would make within the unit.

I think it really is important to try and hit the ground running so to speak.  Don’t feel afraid to ask questions or ask someone to proof read your work before you show your supervisor.  I also firmly believe you try and use as much of your own initiative first before giving up and asking someone else.

I think that subconsciously over the course of my 20-day placement I was able to improve upon my interpersonal skills and really work on character flaws in myself that required attention.  These included, improving upon my listening skills, learning to offer advice or suggestions when appropriate and when relevant, managing time constraints effectively, and being willing to offer assistance and support whenever possible.