Does PR need PR?

This summer, I wrote a research paper for my Composition II class on how public relations positively impacts not only companies and organizations, but society in general as well. The basis for my argument was that, even though public relations has a negative image to many - sometimes termed as "spin" - pr is essential for anyone in the general public to know what is going on within an organization, both positive and negative. When talking about my chosen topic in class, another student, who worked at an oil company, said pr was somewhat of a "dirty word" to many of the employees.

This made me wonder - why does public relations have such a negative reputation? Based on many conversations I've had, pr has a bad reputation among those who don't fully understand the purpose of the job. As pr majors know, the best pr agents are virtually unknown to the general public because they do such a good job, damage control and "spin" aren't needed on a regular basis. When their work is evident (aside from having public events), people see it as just another cover up, or just another excuse as to why their company is insufficient.

Although the negative connotation that can be associated with public relations, the use of pr is far from non-existent. It is a career that continues to thrive and will always be needed to inform the general public. My thought is however, if more of the general public had a better understanding of the full use and positive capabilities public relations can provide, pr wouldn't be such a "dirty" word. Now how's that for a spin?

Where are the jobs?

When you go to college for four years, slaving away at all the writing assignments, econ courses (I hate econ), and copy editing assignments... :D... a high-powered, fancy job with many well-known and respected clients seems like the ultimate goal. You don't want to think four years was wasted, simply to move to a small town and never use your degree to its full potential! The reality is however, that PR jobs are needed everywhere; both rural and urban areas, small and large corporations, for profit and non-profit organizations - the possibilities are endless. Yes, smaller towns and smaller companies may provide less opportunities in getting hired as a public relations representative, as well as fewer choices in what kind of pr work one would be doing, however there is still a need for the profession. Public relations really is a very versatile major, for this very reason. The work entailed doesn't limit where one can or can't go to find a job - it's a profession that will always be needed if any sort of corporation or organization wishes to be known among its publics. Just one more reason pr really is the best major!