A change in paths: Why study PR?

It’s not uncommon for students to change their major during their time at college. Being exposed to new people in a new environment can have that effect. There are so many different options to choose from when looking at what to study. How do you decide what to pick?

Personally, I came to college looking to study something completely different. Originally an art major, I added a journalism minor so I could keep my passion for writing. I enjoyed this at the time, but I knew that there was room for more. From there I talked with some academic advisors and then switched majors to media studies and journalism. While this major didn’t stick, it did help lead me on the path to discovering public relations.

If you are like me, you might not know what public relations is. Looking online, there are many differing opinions on the definition of public relations and what does or does not fit into the category. Even within the field, there are options for nonprofit, agency, and freelance work that stems off in different areas.

Personally, I view public relations as a combination of journalism and marketing. When I first found the major, I was drawn in by the idea of studying social media. Public relations allows me to bring a new perspective within my marketing and design jobs by being able to better connect and understand the relationships an organization holds with its publics. The background I carry from public relations gives me resources to bring out in other aspects of my professional career such as honesty, communication, and management.

Each student goes about college in their own unique way, forging their own path. My journey to public relations is different than my other members’. Public relations appeals to each of us in a different way, and the field provides us with opportunities to fulfill our passions. How did public relations call out to you?