This really is a stinky economy. Even in idyllic central Pennsylvania, public relations and communications colleagues continue to be downsized, re-engineered, right-sized … let go. We are feeling the effects that other major markets are feeling and it doesn’t feel good. As a PRSA Job Center mentor, I have spoken with a number of people across the country who are similarly looking for public relations positions. It is hard to find a silver bullet out there to offer.
But for those who have five years of public relations experience, I do recommend a golden nugget — Accreditation. Whether I am teaching small businesses marketing 101 or a colleague who is trying to find a job, it often comes down to your USP — your unique selling point. For a public relations practitioner, what better way to distinguish himself or herself than to be able to add the APR credential after your name. APR is a unique and valuable selling point that not only will differentiate you, but put you out in front of the pack.
The Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations is not easy. The process is demanding. If it were easy, everyone would be Accredited and we would all have APR after our names.
Think you’re ready to run with the big dogs? Join me and Bob Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA, Friday, April 24 in New York City for Accreditation PowerPlay: Get Prepared for Accreditation in Public Relations. Then get ready to take your career to the next level.
By Deborah S. Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA, charter member of the PRSA APR/Universal Accreditation Board, and active participant in the re-engineering of the Examination process. Deborah has served as Accreditation chair for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of PRSA and is COO of PRworks, Inc. A communications strategist for more than 30 years, she has directed communications management for several crisis situations and gained the national recognition of her peers. Her expertise includes issues management, crisis communications and communications strategy.
Join Saline, along with Bob Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA, for Accreditation PowerPlay: Get Prepared for Accreditation in Public Relations, on Friday, June 12, 2009, in New York, NY!
Do you have anything like this coming to the West coast? I’m in the Seattle area and definitely would be interested.
I think it would be great to get out to the West Coast for a PowerPlay. PRSA is going to look into the interest-level. Hopefully, we can get out there to the great Northwest in the not too distant future.
And, if you are going to the International Conference in San Diego, there will be a PowerPlay there, as well.
Deb Saline