Communication Week 2007, Part I

This past week at the UM School of Communications it was Communication Week. During this week event, there are different panels and discussions that students can attend all related to the different fields of communication. The first of two discussions I attended was one entitled, "Integrating into the Public Relations Profession". This panel consisted of a group of four UM graduates, at different stages in their careers, coming to speak with students about their experiences in PR.

Each panelist graduated at different year from UM, giving students a broader idea of the directions a career in public relations could take. They talked about thier own experiences of how they got into the field and advice they had for those seeking to pursue the same career. Much of the advice was all things I have previously been told, but would be truly helpful to those just beginning to think about PR. Advice like to be assertive and make your voice heard in your firm--you have a better chance of getting more responsibility this way--and to keep your options open and be willing to learn from others.

However, the common theme running through the discussion was to get an internship early and build your experience base. Each of the panelists stressed how important it was to get experience in the field. For many, it can make the difference as to whether you are hired for a position or not. Education is important, but if have no real-life experience in the field, then you could be passed over for someone else.

Overall, for the novice interested in a job in public relations, I thought this panel was very educated, experienced and helpful.