Not only am I more proficient in the profession, but I am much more limber from studying for and completing the APR process.
The proficiency stems from the valuable insights I gained in preparing for the exam and talking with fellow public relations practitioners along the way. The added flexibility is a result of kicking myself repeatedly for not pursuing the APR designation years ago. In the prism of hindsight, I am going to view this as a form of middle-aged yoga.
Studying for the APR is the best professional development exercise I have ever pursued. The APR Study Guide and other material offered practical insights into the profession that have made me more strategic in my daily thinking and confirmed what a cool profession this is.
The APR Study Guide is the best public relations reference material I have come across. Studying it, especially the sections on communication models and strategic planning, provided exactly the answers and framework I need to be a better professional.
Further, meeting with other public relations practitioners who gave up their time for my Readiness Review became a great opportunity to talk about the profession with individuals who brought applicable insights and perspectives to the discussion.
This process has been just the challenging jump-start this old dog needed for his professional advancement.
Jack Jeffery, APR, recently completed the APR after working in university relations for 20 years. He is currently coordinator of communications at Ohio University-Chillicothe.
Ready to accelerate your career? Join Michele L. Hujber, APR, Bob Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA and Jason S. Kirsch, APR for a a four-day intensive for candidates to prepare and advance though the Readiness Review and take the computer-based Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations at PRSA’s APR Boot Camp, Wednesday, August 26–Saturday, August 29, in New York, NY!To learn more about Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), visit http://www.prsa.org/PD/apr/.
