Being a typical Type-A personality, when I chose to go back
to school I created a spreadsheet with all the graduate schools that I was
interested in and three majors: marketing, strategic communications,
interdisciplinary studies. I projected graduation dates and weekly schedules. I
created pro and con columns for each track. I was honestly excited about
everything that integrated marketing professionals had to offer. I just didn’t
know what major to pick.
I finally chose strategic communications after impressive
discussions with faculty advisors, and two courses under my belt as an
undecided major. Every time I am in a strategic communications class I am
reminded of why I made the choice. Whether it’s a guest lecturer or a
tangential conversation over the newest social media platform, ideas here are shine
like a beacon for a fulfilling career.
This week’s guest speaker, Bill Kula, APR and Director of Media
Relations at Verizon provided a lot of food for thought related to career
choices as well as media planning. I would like to think he is a great example
of a UNT green
light presenter. Bill spoke to our class this week about planning for media
campaigns and why he chose his career path. He mentioned that from all the
career placement tests he took, counseling or a helping profession always
seemed to be the path. My ears perked up, and I sat at the edge of my seat the
rest of the night.
Since I scored similarly on career assessment tests, I reflected
a lot on his insights on a communicator’s roll in the business process. What I
took away from the lecture was that strategic communicators may be “closet
journalists” but at the end of the day, we are counselors first. Much like a
good counselor can teach effective communication skills through behavioral
modification, a PR professional communicates effectively through strategic
activities. This means listening, and knowing where and when you can act to
change a problem for a client. I was reminded of all the times I had heard
professors say “people will turn to you. You’ll end up giving them solutions to
problems that they haven’t yet identified for themselves.”
The perks of a Type-A personality include prioritizing
organization, which fit the traits of a communicator. Bill presented media
plans so detailed that they were really inspiring. There was a place for
everything and for everything a place. Media
plans help you achieve goals, with each element and hopeful outcome
accounted for. For that kind of insight and projection, you really need to know
your client and most importantly, your consumers. A listener’s ear, an unbiased
opinion, and the ability to establish good relationships: all characteristics
of an effective communicator.
I'm delighted you were inspired, and encouraged that you think you've found the correct career niche. One little tweak--the AdWeek media plans are great, but they're really more advetising-oriented. Try looking at the PRSA Silver Anvil awards for PR inspiration. http://www.prsa.org/Awards/SilverAnvil/SilverAnvilResults
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