Participate in PRSA’s online training session, “Getting Ready for the Readiness Review,” on Feb. 14, 2012, 3–4 p.m. EST. This public relations accreditation training sesssion is free to PRSA members.
The process to achieve Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is an important experience for anyone practicing in the public relations field. From filling out the application, to participating in the Readiness Review, to taking the computer-based Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, each step brings new challenges and learning experiences for even seasoned public relations professionals.
When I was a senior in college, my adviser and favorite professor said he felt Accreditation was important for those who wanted to take public relations seriously as a career. At that point, I set a goal to achieve Accreditation.
In college, I learned the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the “real world.” After graduating, I accepted a position in corporate communications and decided to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Studies. The master’s degree helped me gain a better understanding of communications as a whole. After achieving this degree, I gave myself a break from studying. But after five years, I found myself wanting to achieve another level of education through the Accreditation process.
Studying for Accreditation was a great review of the knowledge I gained in my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but it also reinforced the practical day-to-day knowledge I’ve gained over the past seven years in my career. Accreditation tied my educational and real-world learning into one package, reinforcing the value of continued learning and growth.
Amy Everett, APR, works for Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation as a senior marketing communications coordinator in Nashville, Tenn.
