5 Public Relations Takeaways

Written by Ben Bolstrum

It can be daunting to make long-term decisions right out of high school, and choosing a major is an important step in any academic journey. So, why public relations? Professionals in this field have many responsibilities. At its core, public relations is about telling stories and spreading positivity. It’s a career of storytelling and learning that has no skill ceiling. It can be an incredibly rewarding career with life-defining experiences that affect positive change through rigorous care.

Advocacy: As a public relations professional, you are the voice of the voiceless. It’s a big role to fill, but one that can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s your responsibility to make sure the message of your organization is known. Supporting causes you care about and making sure people know what you stand for is key. Pick something you’re passionate about and find an organization that is working towards it. The great thing about this industry is that you can be an advocate for anything, and with enough care, you can find an organization that needs representation.

Storytelling: Public relations is a people-driven industry. Every aspect of the business comes back to people. Who are they? What are they thinking? Why do they think that? Where are they from? How are they accomplishing their goals? These are all things to consider when writing a press release or working on a campaign. Storytelling is the gear that keeps the public informed about news, so don’t forget to spin a good story.

Networking: Since public relations is about people, you meet a lot of them. Getting to know peers in the industry who can signal boost your cause or help you learn can be invaluable. Everyone has a different story when it comes to how they entered the industry and their approach to it. You never know who you may meet and how that person's skillset may come in handy in the future. It’s a collaborative effort!

Growth: The growth of online companies has caused the public relations industry to flourish. There are hundreds of startups, influencers and online businesses that need support. Any public relations specialist wears many hats. There are always opportunities to expand your skill set and challenge yourself to accomplish new goals. It’s the perfect career for movers, shakers and change agents. There are always improvements to be made and things to learn.

Authenticity: Oftentimes public relations gets compared to journalism in a negative light. This career is not about hiding from the truth or deflecting blame. Unethical practices do not represent what public relations provides. We choose this career path out of passion, not greed. Long days and late nights may be inevitable, but the service we provide is undeniable Public relations is about doing the right thing. Never forget the public in public relations.

Ben Bolstrum is a senior at EMU this year, majoring in public relations and minoring in journalism. He currently does regional Rotaract development for the Rotary Club of Northville and is a freelance writer. Ben loves stories and learning about people with unique experiences. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of the Schoolcraft Connection where he worked with a team to build the college publication. After he transferred to EMU, he chose to pursue public relations to combine his love of stories and charitable causes. After graduating, Ben plans to work with nonprofits to spread awareness for their work.