Over the course of the semester, the definition of Public Relations has tranformed for many of us students. Abiding by the ethical principles of the PR profession, I must be honest; just a few short months ago, my understanding of the industry was derived solely from Sex and the City's Samantha Jones.
As it turns out, I was wrong. Over the past few weeks, our class has worked painstakingly to organize and execute fundraising campaigns for local charitable organizations. A lot of sweat and beauty sleep hours were shed in the preparation process, and as all of our efforts came and went, a lot of valuable lessons were learned.
1. PR is not for the faint-hearted
2. PR is practiced best by people with big hearts (and minds)
For most of us students (being newbies to the field), the whole process of creating and executing a campaign seemed daunting at first. Along the way -- after qualms with team members, experiencing donor rejections and other planning mishaps -- we learned to deal with and manage mini crises as they happened in real time. We also had to learn not to let our anxieties and weaknesses get the best of us, but to persevere instead.
"Ultimately, it was about making a difference," says Kaitlyn Hunt of her team fundraising experience
As it turns out, I was wrong. Over the past few weeks, our class has worked painstakingly to organize and execute fundraising campaigns for local charitable organizations. A lot of sweat and beauty sleep hours were shed in the preparation process, and as all of our efforts came and went, a lot of valuable lessons were learned.
1. PR is not for the faint-hearted
2. PR is practiced best by people with big hearts (and minds)
For most of us students (being newbies to the field), the whole process of creating and executing a campaign seemed daunting at first. Along the way -- after qualms with team members, experiencing donor rejections and other planning mishaps -- we learned to deal with and manage mini crises as they happened in real time. We also had to learn not to let our anxieties and weaknesses get the best of us, but to persevere instead.
"Ultimately, it was about making a difference," says Kaitlyn Hunt of her team fundraising experience
(The Jack Project, for suicide prevention and in honor of close friend Justin Stark). "It's totally great when you can intermix your passions with your professional talent," she adds about the industry itself, and it's true. Having a voice, let alone a cultivated and influential one, is so often taken for granted and overlooked in our society. As young professionals in an industry that revolves around communicating, we have infinite opportunities to put our hearts where our mouths are.
In the end, that's what it came down to. By selecting local charities we deemed particularly important, we utilized the skills we acquired throughout the semester and put them into practice with the purpose of achieving greater good. Knowing that we positively impacted our community is a much better feeling than what the fictional Ms. Jones would feel as I imagine she would after a three-martini business meeting with her latest celebrity client.
In the end, that's what it came down to. By selecting local charities we deemed particularly important, we utilized the skills we acquired throughout the semester and put them into practice with the purpose of achieving greater good. Knowing that we positively impacted our community is a much better feeling than what the fictional Ms. Jones would feel as I imagine she would after a three-martini business meeting with her latest celebrity client.
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Brand Marketing India
Neeti Biz