Reflecting on the Semester

Over this past Christmas break, I was thrilled to learn I received the Public Relations internship I had applied and interviewed for with The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. I informed all my family and friends about it and couldn’t wait to start shopping for some professional, stylish clothes to add to my “work” wardrobe. After taking a step back a few days later, I had a panic attack of sorts. I realized, through my schooling, I didn’t feel ready for this internship and was nervous that, even though I already secured the position, I did not have enough experience or  knowledge to perform the job satisfactorily. In previous classes, I learned definitions and theories. I had improved upon my writing skills since entering college, but, other than that, I felt like I didn’t really learn skills applicable to this real-world job and that left me with a feeling of extreme discomfort.

During this time, I also was in the process of changing my major from Advertising and Public Relations to Marketing. While this internship will still be relevant experience to what I want to do, I was no longer required through the university to take this Intro to PR course. I was very close to dropping the class to take a class through the business school that would work towards my major. Right when I was about to hit the button that would drop the class from my schedule, I had  second thoughts and thought this class could be helpful to me in learning some skills for my internship I was so worried about. I then thought back to my Intro to Advertising class, however, where I felt I learned no relevant skills and dreaded going to class because the professor would just drone on and on about topics that would not even help me professionally.  I was worried this Intro to PR class would be similar. I decided to follow through with taking it, though, and though “oh well.” If it was like the other one, I may not feel more prepared for the summer, but it’d be an easy “A” and another elective credit.

Turns out, I learned a lot more than I anticipated, and left feeling ready to take on my summer internship (the class definitely was not an easy “A”, however).

This class gave me the relevant experience and knowledge I needed to succeed in the field of Public Relations. It gave me resources and references to keep in mind for the future, and very importantly, a professor who would be a great contact for me if I have questions about my internship, the field, or for just general tips. I honestly have never felt like I have gotten this much out of a class before and wouldn’t trade my experience. I do wish I had spoken up a little more in class. Early mornings are rough for me (I need to get over that), and I was sick and not feeling one-hundred percent much of the semester. This class also made me wish every class in college was like this. It was a lot of work but when you’re doing work you realized you are going to be doing in your actual career, it doesn’t feel so dreadful.

There are so many things I am taking from this class: new skills, facts, resources, and even a beautiful project to add to my professional portfolio. Looking back, I am glad I did not drop my Intro to PR class and am anxiously excited to begin my journey into my career with my internship this summer. Thanks for a great semester!

XOXO

Average Student

What the Heck is Public Relations Anyway?

Contrary to some belief, life isn’t always easy in the life of a Public Relations student in college. As a student pursuing a degree in this field, there are many different obstacles and oppositions I have had to face and will have to face that students in other disciplines may not understand.

First off, some people have the notion a major in the communications field is a blow off. WRONG. Much of this probably comes from students that are bitter because their major is not as cool. Public Relations is actually one of the most complex subjects to study. It is ever-changing and can be applied to pretty much anything in our lives. There are so many things I can branch off and do with this major that it most certainly is not a blow off. It is challenging, exciting, and growing!

The most…trying, perhaps, issue is the constant questions pouring out of old, irrelevant relatives about my choice of profession. When college kids receive that oh-so-unique question: “What is your major?” the response, for some, is easy. “Pre-med, accounting, teaching”..These are all responses that leave relatives generally satisfied so they’ll respond with, “Great, study hard! Don’t drink or do drugs!”                                        …Or something to that effect.

Well, when I say I am studying public relations, it is hard to predict the response I will receive. The over 55 crowd, especially, has little to no idea what I am talking about and will proceed to ask a million questions. I have been realizing it is very hard to encapsulate what public relations entails because it is so multifaceted and dynamic.

Through this blog and in class, I am going to further explore the ever-changing world of Public Relations. I am going to apply what I learn to aspects of my everyday life and relate it to things I am passionate about, such as music and fashion. I am looking forward to sharing what I learn with the public to hopefully leave you with a better knowledge of PR and some interesting connections between PR and my everyday life.

XOXO

Average Student.