As a public relations major in college, you’re taught the basics ‘“ how to write a press release, draft a media alert and even how to develop a campaign. However, after graduating, I couldn’t help but feel like there were a few topics I could have learned more about to prepare me for an entry-level PR position and below are the top three.
1. Difference Between Agency/Boutique/In-house ‘“ After graduating, you know you want a job in public relations, but it’s hard to determine which PR job is right for you when you aren’t explained the differences. The workings of an agency vs. a boutique vs. in-house are extremely distinct as well as the divisions of each (consumer, healthcare, digital, corporate and more).
So what’s the best route to take and which job title should you apply for? Not something I was taught in college.
2. Media Rapport ‘“ Sure, you learn how to write a pitch, but what is the best way to approach editors, reporters, radio hosts and producers? What is the proper jargon to use?
I had to learn a majority of this through first-hand experience and colleagues, but this is something that should be recreated in the classroom.
3. The Business Side of PR ‘“ Once you land a job in PR, you will immediately be thrown into campaigns and learn how to work with different clients. However when executing a campaign, how is the budget laid out? What’s the best way to negotiate with outside vendors? What is and isn’t shared with clients? And overall, how does new business come about?
Again, a lot of this is learned through experience and colleagues, but it wouldn’t hurt to be well-versed in the business side of PR after graduating.
This is based solely on my experience so you may have learned some of the above in school or there could be other topics you felt were untaught.
Either way, do not take for granted the opportunity you have in college to ask these questions to your professor or another PR professional. I’m sure they would be happy to help…or we could!
images via rottentomatoes.com
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Comments
This is exactly the kind of thing I thought I’d be learning but so far it is very far from this. (I’m a 1st year PR student in London)
It would be brilliant if you started a feature on this blog which had advice & tips for up & coming PR’s who are without the first hand experience; it would be incredibly useful & obviously relevant – which seems to be the problem with my course!
Thanks
Ellen Reed
Ellen – happy to hear we have a reader in London! We will be sharing advice for those without first hand experience, so stay tuned. Are there any tips you are looking for in particular?
Also, don’t be afraid to ask your professor any questions you may have. You probably aren’t the only one with these thoughts in mind.
Xo
I completely agree and was just thinking this the other day… There are so many more things in the real world that are not taught in school. The best way to learn is through first hand experience.
Julie – Exactly, and I’m happy you can relate. Those are just the top three things I wish I had learned more about, so there are definitely more where that came from! Xx
I totally agree. I graduated in December 2007 with a BA in PR and minor in English. I was lost! And now, Im not even doing anything in PR. Im an administrative assistant working on my masters in Human Resources. I guess once it is all said and done I will have a BA in PR and a Master’s in HR! I was so difficult to find a job in PR but am thankful I atleast have some sort of income
http://www.keepingupwithkindra.blogspot.com
Kindra – Thanks for the feedback (and cute blog!). It seems like a lot of students are lost upon graduation. I definitely wasn’t sure of what firms to look at and divisions to apply for. Future posts will give advice for those on the PR job hunt.
Xo
Wow! This is stuff I learned somewhat from my 3 months experience as an in-house PR intern at a magazine publishing house, but I definitely haven’t learned any of this in school! I’m currently a senior Communication major (my school doesn’t offer PR as a major, however I have taken PR and Advanced PR as electives within the department, both with the same professor and only PR courses taught in the whole school!)
As someone who is freaking out about joining the NYC PR job market this May (specifically looking for a job in media or entertainment PR) I’m beginning to get very scared at my lack of knowledge! Maybe if this blog did some sort of weekly feature or something like this that would ease the fears of myself and others like me!
Great article!
Allie
@allierosesim
Number three is definitely important and lacking in PR programs! I’m even considering taking a management course in the business school as an extra elective just to get a better understanding of the behind the scenes stuff.
This is a great blog and great questions. I did not study PR in college, I studied Media Arts and received my MBA in Marketing. I just fell in love with PR and it’s not easy because you have to have a head for business but a skill set for results!
[...] Part I: Basic Acronyms Jump to Comments TweetAs A has explained in the past, there is a lot the PR pro does not learn from her professor in college. Another large item we are not taught in college is the PR jargon that is passed around [...]