By: Precious Simeon, BPR student.
Many university students are undecided about what career path they want to pursue, and that is not a bad thing. But, undecided students should be aware of the ways public relations will change their life if they decide to pursue a career path in that field.
First, it is crucial to know that public relations is “the systematic process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” One of the most successful ways to build on marketing campaigns and maintain a good online presence is through public relations.
Companies who have caught on are devoting a considerable amount of time and money to remaining on top of their public relations campaigns, and they are reaping great rewards with a higher return on investment.
If you are someone who enjoys solving problems, handling crisis communications, planning, and organizing events, then public relations is for you. Every company will need a public relations representative.
Earning a degree in public relations enables you to construct public images, respond to public inquiries, influence the public, and develop product information. It also has the following benefits:
An exciting career path
Not everyone has the luxury of an exciting work life but working in the public relations field is different. A career in public relations is always changing because public relations professionals are faced with new challenges every day. Interacting with customers, reviewing target incidents, talking, publishing, or influencing public opinion are all part of a public relations professional’s everyday routine.
As a public relations expert, you can expect to never be bored or stuck in a routine. People may change jobs when they are dissatisfied with their schedules, but for public relations professionals, no two days are alike. Public relations professionals contend with a wide variety of emotions on the job as the office environment often shifts unexpectedly.
Skills for life
Public relations work provides employees with important opportunities to expand their perspectives. It instills in them skills such as oral and written communication, as well as strategic planning, which are all crucial for modern-day success. Since engaging and building relationships with stakeholders is important, public relations professionals can meet people from all walks of life and gain a unique viewpoint on their lives. Furthermore, a career in public relations trains you to be disciplined, polite, and tolerant.
Multiple career opportunities
Public relations graduates may work in several fields, including the media, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. You can serve as a media planner, press secretary, public relations expert, lobbyist, marketing assistant, speech writer, or event organizer with a public relations degree.
Managerial positions, such as public relations managers, marketing managers, and marketing communications executives, may be filled by graduates with a master’s degree in public relations.
If you intend to migrate to another country, more than likely, you will be able to find work as a public relations professional because public relations has become crucial in today’s business world.
Companies all over the world are recruiting people to manage their public relations teams. Public relations is a global business, and public relations professionals perform similar tasks regardless of where they are based.
Flexibility in the workplace
Public relations professionals have the choice of tying new jobs within their field, rather than sticking to one job. Public relations graduates may work in fields such as healthcare, sales, education, television, radio, and social media, or even work as a freelance public relations consultant.
Public relations is a diverse field that can fit into various departments. Even though all sub-fields are interconnected, a public relations professional can easily move from one department to another. The job’s basic criteria is the same, and as a public relations professional, you must be optimistic while still being persuasive.
Become a communication expert
A Master of Art in public relations will help you develop your study, verbal communication, and presentation skills, whether you are a doctor, lawyer, businessperson, or politician. For example, lawyers will learn methods that will assist them in defending court cases orally. Effective communication is beneficial in all areas of business and interpersonal relationships.
After completion of an undergraduate degree, you can take a year-long master of art in public relations to further your experience and skills. A public relations degree can help you write and speak more effectively to a range of audiences.
Influence of the internet
To reap the benefits of technology, the world has switched to automation software, and companies have gone digital. Social media is an important part of a career in the public relations field. You can be innovative and transform public relations strategies, thanks to the ever-changing social media channels.
It is best to find out which social media channel to use to reach your customers. The use of digital platforms by public relations professionals has helped many brands thrive in recent years.
In many ways, public relations is a career that changes people’s lives. It is fast-paced, distinctive, and one of the fastest-growing fields due to its ability to integrate within other fields. If you enjoy social interaction and never want to have a boring moment at work, public relations might be the right career option for you.
If you are an undecided major, I encourage you to consider your passions to see what you can do with your life that will make you money and make you happy. Perhaps, public relations is the solution for you.
Very interesting and inspiring