WHAT I THOUGHT PR WAS VS THE REALITY
WHAT I THOUGHT PR WAS
VS THE REALITY
Sometimes the perception we have of something can be quite different to what it actually is. I realised this when I started with my internship. Like a lot of PR students, I have sometimes been filed with misconceptions about the PR industry but luckily, my internship experience has helped to correct some of them.
Here are some of the things that PR students think that the PR industry is all about.
WHAT I THOUGHT: PR is mostly about organising functions and events for clients.
THE REALITY: The planning of conferences, functions and various events are usually handled by PR practitioners, but the reality is that it is not what PR is all about. My work at MANGO-OMC gave me another perspective of what PR is really about and I came to realise that it is a field that requires a high level of strategy and expertise. PR includes strategic planning, content creation – for traditional, digital and social media and even reputation and crisis management. PR practitioners can be compared to superheroes; the world never really know that we are behind the great success stories but we actually are.
WHAT I THOUGHT: Watching the news every evening is enough.
THE REALITY: Watching the news every evening is the least you can do and hardly acceptable. Subscription to online magazines, having a bunch of news apps and having a good media monitoring tool is actually part of the perfect survival kit in the PR world. As communication practitioners, we are expected to always be informed about what is happening around the world. Almost every news report can represents an opportunity for exposure, creation of engagement and even for new partnerships. It is therefore crucial to always be informed about the latest news.
WHAT I THOUGHT: Media studies will not assist me since I am embarking on a journey in the field of Public Relations and not Journalism.
THE TRUTH: My insight in the world of Public Relations made me realise that media studies is a crucial part of my education as interaction with media takes place on a daily basis. It is therefore important for PR practitioners to know how to draft a good press release, liaise with the media, prepare appropriate media lists, handle press conferences and provide media training for clients.
WHAT I THOUGHT: Social media is just to stay in touch with friends and family.
THE TRUTH: Social media is much more than that. As students, we never really got to understand the value of social media. Most of us simply see it as a platform that one can use to post pictures, like, follow and engage with other people around the globe. But in the PR industry and the world of business, it is much more than that. Social media is a greater way for business to learn about their customers and connect with their audience, reach a new audience locally and globally and increase their brand awareness.
It is therefore crucial for people entering the industry to have good social media skills and a very good understanding of the essence of social media; not to mention the importance of knowing how and what to post on social media (which I will talk to you about in my next article).
WHAT I THOUGHT: I will never drink coffee
THE TRUTH: Not that I have become a coffee addict but I have to admit that coffee has become a life saver in many ways. As you probably know, PR means long working hours, late night work and tight deadlines and to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go through that without a good cup of coffee.
Yeah, I can totally relate to this but actually it just makes me realize that in the PR industry is actually where I want to be in.
Hi Natana,
Glad to know that you can relate to that. Please don’t hesitate to share you experience and what you have learned about PR.
Xx, Christelle- THE PR INTERN
Quite profound. Its amazing how an internship can provide you with such extensive knowledge. Strategic planning is important. Get in the workplace with the right attitude.
Hi Sam,
Indeed, internships are truly amazing experiences.
Thanks for following my blog. Please don’t hesitate to share you experience aswell.
Xx
Christelle- THE PR INTERN
This is some kind of an eye opener. As PR students and aspiring PR practitioners we have this illusion that PR is a glamorous career of attending parties and mingling with famous personalities. But we forget that PRPs work very hard and long hours to make clients happy.
It is sad but true that a lot of students go into the field seeking fame, whereas PRPs should actually be behind the scenes. For example in the entertainment industry, no personality wants to compete with their PR manager for the spotlight.
I will take note of the intern’s experience and apply it to myself and the misconceptions we have about the industry.
Regards,
Oliver Witbooi
2nd year PR student at UNISA
Hi Oliver,
Thank you for following my blog. I totally agree with you; as students we are sometimes filled with misconceptions about PR.
I am glad that you are taking note of this, please stay tuned for more tips and advices.
Xx, Christelle- THE PR INTERN