The debate topic about how relevant a PR degree is in the PR industry is interesting. That is why I had decided to write my dissertation about PR education. My question is, why get a Public Relations degree? Is it providing students with fundamental practical skills, giving them an advantage over others or is it a way of making the PR industry more professional?
There is little written about Public Relations degrees and its effects in the PR industry. However, a chapter in Public Relations: Critical Debates and Contemporary Practice by L’Etang and Pieczka argues that PR education is a tool of professionalising the PR industry. Professional bodies such as CIPR and PRSA believe that these degrees will educate practitioners about the values of PR and reinforce PR’s reputation as a respected profession. Until there are entry requirements into the PR industry and professional codes are enforced, I don’t think PR will ever be considered a true profession. Another argument about PR education is that PR cannot be taught but must be learned on the job. In PR for Asia by Morris and Goldsworthy, they state that PR education is “definitely a second-best to practical experience”. Although I believe that with any job you must learn skills “on the job”, I think PR education gives insight and useful skills to students wanting to enter into the industry.
Through my time in this course I came in knowing very little about the PR industry, I had never written a press release or done a pitch. However, now I do feel more confident in applying for a PR job because I can physical show my portfolio of my press releases, newsletter and pitches that I have written during my studies. It seems that PR degrees can be a starting point for students wanting to learn more about the industry. I believe that PR degrees do give students fundamental skills need for the industry and shows to employers that they are dedicated since they have a degree about PR. I am glad I chose to write about PR education because it is an interesting topic and I’m interested to see what I find in my research.
About Me
- Laura
- My name is Laura Jimenez and I am currently a postgraduate student at the University of Westminster. I am originally from San Diego, California but in England for a Masters in Public Communication and Public Relations. I decided to pursue a career in PR after my work experiences with the Department of Veteran Affairs and with San Diego’s Assemblymember Lori Saldana. Through my Masters I hope to gain a better understanding and practice of public relations.