Working in public relations sounds like a super fun job. We picture events and press conferences. It's exciting stuff — so naturally, a lot of people dream of studying public relations. Before you enrol in the course, find out everything you need to know about studying to be a PR.
In recent years, more and more people have developed a dream of starting a career in PR. I don't blame them!
Pop culture PR pros like Samantha Jones in SATC or TikTok's Molly McPherson make it look so glamorous. Scandal's Olivia Pope definitely makes it look exciting and thrilling.
But before you print your business cards or commit to a degree based on a TV character, you might want to make sure you know everything there is to know about studying and becoming a PR.
Don't fret because media update's Alrika Möller has everything you need to know about becoming a PR pro right here!
What is public relations?
Your knowledge of PR might come from seeing influencers receiving PR packages or watching PRs handle a massive crisis on TV.
It is true; all of that might be a part of public relations, but in truth, the profession is more than that. It is about building and managing relationships with the public. It can mean everything from a company's investors to a brand's target market. Every client has an audience and a relationship with that audience.
The relationships are extremely dependent on your client's public image. That is why PRs must have a strong relationship with the media. The media is how these professionals shape or save that image when necessary.
How is PR different from communications and marketing?
These different professions or degrees often get confused with each other. Yes, there might be some skill overlap here and there, and you will definitely have a few classes together while doing your studies, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Communications focus on the creation and implementation of communication strategies that will help the brand or business achieve its ultimate goal.
Marketing is all about sales and promoting a product, service or brand. They do this through ads and campaigns on various platforms.
And PR? Well, we already covered that, but just to recap: Relationship with the public is the key phrase here … hence the term public relations.
What do you study as part of a PR degree?
Public relations is one of those learn-on-the-go types of professions. Studying a bunch of theories will only get you so far. Most of the learning happens by doing the actual job.
With that being said, there are many skills needed to be successful in the world of PR. During your studies, you will focus on developing the following crucial skills:
Writing
Writing press releases and news releases is a big part of the job when you are a working PR pro. This type of writing is different from high school creative writing or journalism. It has its own tone and style, which is something you will have to work on.
Building connections
You cannot function as a PR without connections in various media industries.
While it is true that networking is not exactly something you can learn in a lecture hall, many of the subjects covered in public relations will help you foster those relationships in your career.
Social media
We already know that public relations is all about your relationships and image.
Social media is a massive part of both relationships and image. It offers brands a way to connect with their audience on a more personal level, as well as offer the opportunity to send a message into the world instantly.
It also poses a lot of reputation risks when people don't know what they are doing. It is so easy to say the wrong thing and get cancelled. PRs need to know how to use social media to create and save an image.
How do you get into the PR industry after studying?
There is no silver bullet or magic recipe that will tell you how to become the next Samantha Jones or Molly McPherson. Every person and career is different.
What I can tell you is that getting your foot in the door will help you to own the room later on.
Find internships! By taking on PR internships during your studies, you will have a wealth of practical knowledge that will make you infinitely more attractive to anyone hiring PR associates for an agency or company.
Internships are also a great way to network and build contacts that will not just help you find a job but also make that job a success.
PR can be the most exciting and interesting degree and career path if you go into it with your eyes open and are willing to do the work.
Are you considering a career in PR? Let us know in the comment section below.
*Image courtesy of Canva