One of the first things that I remember hearing upon
entering the classroom on my first day as a public relations student at Mohawk
College went a little something like this:
"This program has many conflicting deadlines and many
assignments that are to be completed in a short period of time, but this is what
the PR industry is like... Get used to it."
How right that statement was.
Coming from a university background and completing a
degree in business, I figured I could handle anything that college was going to
send my way. Sure, I had heard that college had more assignments, more commitments,
and generally a heavier work load than many universities, but the work itself
was seen as more do-able for lack of a better word. Though the past couple
weeks have significantly swayed my opinion on just how manageable specific
deadlines can be when you’re trying to juggle seven courses, a multitude of
assignments, the search for an internship, and a job all at once.
We have learned thus far in the public relations
program that there are many stressors that occur within the PR industry, not
just limited to time management and an overload of different assignments, but
the pressures of dealing professionally with media and the public, overcoming
ethical issues that pertain to different scenarios, as well as being extremely
cautious as to what is said and/or released at times of crisis. The industry of
public relations is incredibly fast-paced and ever-changing, with a heavy focus
on action and reaction, often taking a toll on the practitioners themselves.
I can honestly say that this type of stress is new
for me. I have always been somewhat of a procrastinator, using the excuse that I
work better under pressure. However, throughout the past few months of this
program I have quickly come to realize that this type of approach will not
withstand the impact of entering into the PR field. It is a demanding,
challenging, and at times exhausting array of tasks and assignments that must
not only be carried out with precision and professionalism, but also within a
timely manner.
Though even with the hard work and the strategic managing
of due dates and assignments I personally could not be happier with my decision
to enter into this academic year and ultimately enter into the field of public
relations. Yes, it has been stressful and it has been eye-opening, but I would
not change it for anything.
This program has taught us many things thus far,
relating to tactics, strategies, objectives, and communications mediums. Yet
the most important thing I have learned throughout this semester is the value
of experiencing a taste of what the industry will be like in terms of time
management and expectations, and I am very grateful for getting the opportunity
to become familiar with that.
This program does have many conflicting
deadlines and it does have many assignments that are to be completed in a short
period of time, but if this is what the PR industry is like… then I think I can
get used to it.
Becky Kellner
Becky Kellner
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