The first three weeks of the course Public Relations: Theory and Practice have most definitely redefined my perception of public relations. I had a fair idea of what this career path involved, but I was not aware of just how diverse the job prospects are. I also think it is fair to say that there is much more to PR than the general population would recognise.

A perfect example would be the mixed responses I hear when I tell people I’m studying a PR degree. I’m commonly met with either blank stares accompanied by the question; ‘what does that involve?’ or more often, they ask: ‘is that like, what Samantha does in Sex and the City?’

While I am a fan of SATC, it always makes me laugh that people assume I’m under the false premise that working in PR guarantees a lifetime of planning fabulous parties and gallivanting around the world, documenting every move on Instagram. What most doesn’t realise is that PR professionals are often the driving force behind their perception of everyday organisations. Graduates of this degree could land a job virtually anywhere, from providing strategic communications advice to senior management of an ASX listed company, to working at a boutique consultancy promoting the latest ‘it’ brands in the lifestyle and beauty sector. The demand for effective communicators will always exceed the supply.

The assigned readings this week have provided a great insight and I’m beginning to see why the role of public relations is so crucial. After all, an organisation is only as good as its reputation at any given time. How would companies like Apple Inc. survive without their strategic launches and tech-savvy communication methods? Who would the embattled company turn to in a crisis? Or at least, who should they turn to..

With the enormous technological advance of the past few years, social media has propelled the PR profession to a position where industry is forced to take more notice. Chia & Synnott (2012, pg. 5) state that ‘the public relations profession is constantly evolving’ – and excitement is what motivated me to get involved. I truly believe that working in PR, no two days are the same.

References/

Chia, J & Synnott, G 2012, An Introduction to Public Relations and Communication Management, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.