PR is a lifestyle
In only one and a half years of my experience in learning about PR I have
learned so much that I could probably write a book...Well maybe I'm exaggerating a little, perhaps something smaller than a book. Here are some of the tips I would like to share from my own experience.
Be an empathic listener
One of my lectures once told me to listen to what people say, not just hear. I figured this is important because empathic listening means considering people's emotions, concerns, understanding their situation by putting yourself in their shoes. This makes people feel that you care about their feelings and therefore builds trust. Further descriptions on Beyond intractability
Know what is happening around you
You need to read, get updates on the latest news and trends or else you will fall behind. This helps you know what people are talking about or what's trending. And your assignments, reports or ideas will not be based on old news. Public relations matters suggests following other PR practitioners on Twitter as one of the ways to know what is trending in industry.
Be active
Which projects have you been involved in? This might be one of your future employer's question because PR is also about being active and engaging yourself. Companies want to employ graduates that were active because they know that in doing so you have exposed yourself to certain areas and have at least acquired some skills.
Use social media to your advantage
On my Facebook account I have dedicated a photo album to all the projects I have been involved in. I believe that your social media content at some point becomes your digital CV, therefore besides my social life, I also use it as a tool to showcase what I can and have done.
Believe in yourself
IIf you believe that you can achieve something, then you most probably can. PR is a dynamic, competitive and sometimes challenging industry. Sometimes in class I hear what other people come up with and I start doubting my abilities and knowledge, but my believe in the fact that I am meant to do PR keeps me going. With that believe comes hard work and doing my best in anyway I can.
I am glad you have pointed out these aspects to consider when studying public relations Tshego, I strongly agree with you. You have pointed out that one needs to be familiar with social networks which is true. Get to know what is happening around you through the help of social media!
ReplyDeleteYes! people need to learn how to use social media to their advantage, in fact I post less about my social life and more about my career field
Deletethose are the important factors in the field of public relations dear so thank you one needs to know what is going on around them in order to keep up to date on current affairs so your tips come in handy for a public relations student like myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad my experiences are able to help you, good luck with your studies!
DeleteThe list is endless but you have highlighted the core aspects of a good prp, especially listening as a skill that is something that people take for granted and they are surprised when they fail the course...thank you for pointing that out.
ReplyDeleteSaphulelo you are so right by saying the list is endless, I wish I could I add. I also think listening is very important that is why I put it at the top of my list because people do usually think they have everything figured out until they realise that they should have listened
ReplyDeleteThis is such great advice to give to someone with a interest in PR. They would be able to introspect and understand what it entails to be a great PRP.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a great blog
Awesome! Thanks, I'm glad I can help out
ReplyDeletegreat advice you gave. People should look upon your tips and guidelines if they want to see themselves successful in this industry. and i for one will use this tips as a future Public Relations Practitioner
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found my tips useful, I will consider sharing them with more people
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right by saying one should be active. I myself have seen the benefits
ReplyDeleteMe too!
ReplyDeleteYaah! Very nice! very very nice! Well done Castor. On the real though, love how you put everything, its important that we choose careers because we are passionate about them. That way we can believe in ourselves
ReplyDeleteLaughing out loud! Thanks Precious. Yes you are right I think believing in yourself goes hand in hand with choosing the right career
ReplyDelete