On Deck for Success: Why College Graduates Should Consider a Career in Public Relations
Starting your first job as a recent college graduate may, at first glance, feel a bit like you’re stepping up to plate in the World Series as a rookie. Choosing the right industry, company, and position to launch your career is key for setting yourself up for success, and public relations could be an ideal choice for those who thrive in a creative and collaborative setting. It’s exciting, full of potential, and teaches you to be adaptable.
Like baseball, PR is a field that values teamwork and continuous learning, making it a very rewarding career choice. I’ve experienced this in just the three months I’ve been an Associate Account Executive at Bliss.
Here are a few reasons why a career in PR could be a home run for upcoming college graduates.
1. Teamwork Drives Success
When working at a PR agency, you touch multiple accounts that are staffed with a mix of different colleagues. As account teams, you are collectively working toward a common goal for the client. Like a baseball team, each player (or team member, in this case) brings unique skills and perspectives to the plate.
While individuality is key, it’s the combined effort, skill, and expertise of the team that drives success. As an AAE or someone in an entry-level position at an agency, you’ll support senior team members, collaborate on earned media initiatives, and help to strategize and provide counsel to the client—all of which are essential contributions to the team.
2. Quick Thinking Leads to Client Wins
In the same way that baseball players have only seconds to make a critical play, PR professionals often have to act quickly and strategically. For example, breaking news stories provide opportunities for media specialists to quickly insert their clients’ voices into the ongoing news cycle. In order to secure these types of opportunities, you must constantly have your finger on the pulse of what is trending and be able to act quickly to secure coverage.
Learning to advance in this fast-paced and high-stakes setting teaches you to stay focused and act decisively under pressure. While securing “wins” for a client is always the goal–whether that be a timely media opportunity or something else–sometimes you may step up the plate and strikeout. The good news is that in this profession, you are able to get up to the next “at-bat” and showcase your skillset the next time around.
3. Leadership at Every Level
Even at the entry level, PR offers opportunities to develop leadership qualities. By working in tandem with colleagues who have years of experience, you quickly learn about best practices and the types of qualities that build a strong leader.
Just like a baseball rookie learning from seasoned players, I’ve been able to absorb valuable lessons from my team members every day.
4. Flexibility is Key
In PR—as in the World Series—unexpected challenges can be common. Whether it’s a shift in strategy or a last-minute media request, learning to adapt and pivot strategically is crucial.
Just like a rookie in the World Series, starting a career in PR teaches you how to work as a team, handle high-stakes challenges, and grow as a leader early on. For seniors in college entering the taxing time of job applications and graduation anxiety, take a deep breath, take a practice swing, and step up to the plate. Consider PR for that next step–a field where the skills you gain early on can prepare you for the Big Leagues.
By Grace Whittam
Photo by Tim Gouw via Pexels
