Thought Bubble
I admit – I still feel like the new kid at work. But I can’t say I expected to feel quite different with just a few months of experience in the public relations industry. I am relatively new to the PR world. And I still have a lot to learn.
When I graduated last May, I viewed my public relations degree as an impressive accomplishment, the culmination of four years of hard work paying off. Finally, I reached the finish line!
Now, after a few months in the workplace, I realize that my education isn’t over; it’s really just beginning. My degree has proven to be my ticket to learn even more. Read on to see the three significant lessons I’ve learned since joining the CK team in September.
Recently, Paul Holmes penned a blog post discussing the ambiguity surrounding the definition of public relations. The post examined the need for a 21st century definition of PR. He argued, in my view, correctly, that PR “is the process of building, nurturing and leveraging relationships with a wide range of publics.” But it also struck me as odd that he had to write this post at all. For a field approaching the century mark (if you count forward from World War I and the rise of Edward Bernays), many professionals—even those somewhat familiar with our field—still seem to mistake the purposes, advantages and functions of PR as compared to advertising and, more broadly, marketing.
To most PR professionals, multi-tasking is second nature. But to someone just starting their career, it can be a challenging proposition.
Media relations is still one of the most critical and central aspects of PR. For an Account Coordinator (AC), working closely with media for the first time can be a daunting task. However, most ACs don’t realize that close at hand, they have a constant ally and a loyal resource that will help them overcome their initial reservations and get results. What is it? The good old fashioned telephone.
As the Account Coordinators here at CooperKatz know, the transition from college life to “the real world” can be a very exciting yet challenging time. This post is the first in a new blog series aptly named the “AC Perspective,” sharing rookie insights and a snapshot of life at CK and the Public Relations industry from our point of view. Check out more from the five Account Coordinators of CooperKatz!