By Natalie Glidewell
As Thanksgiving ends and the winter holidays quickly approach, I’ve found myself busier than ever. I’m wondering how 2016 flew by so fast, while consciously trying to live in the now and reflect on how fortunate I am. This year there are two things I’m incredibly thankful for: my friends and my education. Recently, public relations has proven to be a connector of the two. And for that I’ve realized there are so many reasons to be thankful for the profession.
Relationships
Public relations has enabled me to create long-standing personal and professional relationships. When you get the chance, ask an educator or someone in the industry what advice they’d give you as a young professional. I’d bet my last dollar they’ll tell you to read, write and network. Personally, from taking that advice I developed the skills necessary to foster quality relationships with my peers, professors and professionals. Public relations has also led me to some of my dearest friends and mentors. Cardinal Communications, Ball State’s student-run agency, and PRSSA have allowed me to learn from the most talented and intelligent young people. I’ve collaborated, traveled and celebrated Friendsgiving with some of my best friends through these organizations. Undoubtedly, my experience with public relations has been rich and fulfilling because of the relationships I’ve made.
Growth
I’ve grown tremendously as a person through public relations. I’ve been forced to step out of my comfort zone, make difficult decisions, talk to strangers, work with different personalities, become a creative, stay up late and wake up early. I’ve dedicated myself to being a forever learner and couldn’t be any more passionate about the work I do. I truly believe the challenging nature of public relations has helped shape me into the person I am today.
Opportunity
Public relations is a growing industry, which means great opportunity lies ahead. With the use of data and analytics public relations professionals have the opportunity to show their worth and outshine competitors with measurable results. Also, knowing I’ll be entering a multi-faceted and fast-paced industry is very exciting. As a student there is so much opportunity to gain real-world experience. Through PRSSA regional and national conferences, student-run firms, internships, volunteering and philanthropic efforts I’ve learned invaluable lessons. And I’m not afraid to seek opportunity in unconventional places, too, because everything needs public relations.
Options
Public relations offers a world of options. I often find myself getting overwhelmed because there is so much I want to do within the industry. In the grand scheme of things you can go in three different directions: corporate, agency and nonprofit. Within those options you can dive into specific industries: sports, entertainment, fashion, health care, government, litigation, travel and tourism, hospitality, tech, business to business and so many more. You can work for one brand or multiple clients. You can specialize in events, media relations or crisis communication. No matter what, you may find yourself specializing in an industry you never would have pictured yourself in. And you may end up in a city you never would have thought about visiting. Isn’t that exciting?
Public relations has allowed me to feel excited and hopeful for the future. I can’t wait to start my career and that is something to be thankful for.
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