Going beyond the Communications Industry

 Whenever I tell people that I am graduating with a degree in public relations, I can almost guareantee that the follow up question is not going to be the typical "and what do you plan on doing with that?" but rather "uhhhh, what is public relations?" I am ultimately always disappointed with my response because I feel like I can't adequately describe all the facets of public relations. The common person automatically brings up the term "spin doctor." Or better yet, "hack." Which let me tell you really really drives me insane. Public relations goes beyond simple media relations, "spinning" reputations, and at times, crisis communications. Today with the addition of the internet and social media, public relations is about building and sustaining relationships with core audiences and bridging the gap between the corporate banner and the commonplace customer. These are among the reasons why I am so unbelievably excited to enter the public relations industry at such a critical time.

This semester I have learned many important lessons by taking what I have learned from my professors and books and using the information in my everyday life. In fact I have Joseph Jaffe's book, Flipping The Funnel, to thank for landing me my second job at SWEET Cupcakes. At SWEET, part of the mission statement is not only to provide the best cupcake possible, but also to provide the best customer service possible to gain the respsect of the customer. In my interveiw I was asked what the term customer service meant to me. Ironically enough, I had just read the chapter in Jaffe's book about the customer experience. In short, customer service is just a component of the entire customer experience. Naturally, being a public relations major I managed to pull out this term and win over the interviewer. Now I love my job and am proud to call myself a "Sweetie."

Side Note: Jaffe's book is a must-read. Click your way over to Amazon to purchase!

Moral of the story: public relations isn't just for those working within the communications field. The lessons that I have learned in the classroom, at internships and reading books have managed to get me part-time jobs that I depend on to live my champagne lifestyle on a water budget. I haven't gotten the memo that I am supposed to be leading a broke college student lifestyle.