According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) public relations is, “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” That's a pretty vague definition. A lot of people aren't even sure what "building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public" entitles. Fortunately, many people are experts at this as well as the many students studying the field. But, even though many people question what public relations is, there seems to be a stigma about how the field is "easy" and that "anyone can do it." Is public relations even a real college major? Indeed it is. And everyone in the field is tired of hearing how easy it is.
Public relations requires a ton of writing.
This field requires a tremendous amount of writing. One minute they're writing a press release the next a newsletter for a company. Those in public relations must write daily and develop stronger skills and learn what type of writing is most efficient with their audiences. It's not uncommon for a public relations major to have papers due every day of the week.
Public relations includes extensive research.
No, those in the public relations field do not use microscopes but research is still involved with the job. There are various types of jobs within public relations but one major aspect of it is connecting with and developing relationships with an audience. To do this, extensive research is done on a particular group's audience as well as an external forces and anything involved with the campaign. Public relations professionals tirelessly find out every detail to best ensure the strongest projection to their audience.
Critical thinking skills are vital in public relations.
Every day public relations professionals are thinking up new and creative ideas to get their brand or organizations out there. To stand out, these public relations teams must think up ways to catch the attention of people of this day and age. In 2015 feminine products brand, Always, released commercials used to empower women and young girls (who happen to be their target audience). One commercial promoted the hashtag #LikeAGirl and showed how as girls get older they see and hear "...like a girl" as an insult. But this advertisement showed girls that it is not an insult and when someone say you do something "like a girl" it means that you are awesome. This campaign was extremely successful for the company, getting it recognition on YouTube and, of course, improving the company's sales. Ideas that engage an audience and make an organization stand out are so important in the field. Public relations professionals work every day to gain experience and study the field so they can come up with the next great idea.
What's a 9 to 5?
It is not uncommon for a public relations professional to work more than eight hours. There usually is not set hours because of deadlines, breaking news and even crisis. It is important for people in the public relations field to be cool under pressure as well as be willing to work all night. This is a fast paced world and public relations professionals are many times running in the front, even if it's 2 a.m.
Public relations is an amazing field with passionate professionals. Here are only a few aspects of the field that shouldn't be deemed as undemanding. There is a generalization out there that communications classes are easy and that public relations is a simple major to obtain. I hate when people say this about any major. First off, it downplays someone's passion. Second, what is easy for someone could be difficult for someone else? Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and one's strengths should be showcased through their major. Every major is difficult in a different manner. But what isn't different are the passionate professionals and students in these fields.
