Public Relations

About two months ago, I found myself arranging my Spring 2011 Course schedule. As a Public Relations major, I have taken the basics of Communications: Communications 101, 101 and 103. What I had not gotten the opportunity to do, however, was take a course on the career path I chose back in 2009 as a Freshman. So, here I am, two months later, taking my very first class on Public Relations: PRAD 255. I am satisfied with my ability to now say that I KNOW what my major entails, and I couldn't of picked a more suitable field for myself. The things that i have learned from my time thus far into the course have assisted me in the goals that I have set for myself professionally and academically.

I began this particular course knowing absolutely nothing on Public Relations, which made enrolling in the course just that much more intimidating for myself. As the weeks progress, I find myself thriving off each lecture and presentation- wrapped around the concept of Public Relations with complete contentment. One thing that I have learned from my intro to PR class: Uncertainty about Public Relations isn't necessarily bad- it is advantageous for me so that I can develop an understanding of PR on my own terms rather than memorize a definition of what it is. With each week, I build layer upon layer a whole-rounded understanding of Public Relations with first-hand experience. When asked the first day of class, "What is your definition of Public Relations", I was stumped. Now, I have learned to fuse concepts within PR with the experience I gain. A goal that I had for myself this year was to figure out what Public Relations meant for me: Was it something that I wanted to pursue? What can I do within Public Relations that works with my passions?; and through this course, I have gotten much closer towards this goal.

Another thing that I have learned in my Intro to PR class is how to take the tools regarding PR campaigns that we learn in class and actually apply them to real-life scenarios. As a visual, hands-on learner, it is incredibly helpful for me to get to apply what I learn through a class lecture into an actual situation in order to grasp everything fully. With each week as we read and absorb context in powerpoint slides (which is helpful for referencing information when I find myself confused), we are given the opportunity to apply that knowledge to our Group Projects that allow students to prepare a presentation for a PR campaign for a local Chicago business. I have learned beyond what PR tactics are and have extended my understanding through our group project on  how to go about using them. I have learned the importance of branding my client, but having the chance to "brand" my client for our group project helps me understand the importance in "branding". I have found everything thus far during my experience with our group project relevant to my goal of becoming a PR professional eventually. Without this experience, I would not have such a strong understanding of what it takes to work in the PR field.

PRAD 255 has been a launching pad for myself as a student in the PR field- from here, I have nowhere to go but up!  I am looking forward to the next few weeks of the course and anticipate success.