Best TV Shows and Books for APR Majors
TV
Regardless of your emphasis, PR or Ad, both of these shows are entertaining, educational and great distractions from all your other responsibilities that you would like to procrastinate.
Scandal
This ABC primetime show set in Washington D.C. is a great example of how politics can affect Public Relations. The main character, Olivia Pope, runs a crisis management firm that solves the scandals of high profiles in Washington D.C. Even when thrown into a situation mid-crisis, Pope and her associates are able to identify the end goal and develop a strategic plan. As young PR professionals, this show demonstrates to us how to be successful in the industry and what tools are most vital during a crisis. Not to mention there’s a juicy love story to keep things interesting. Give it a go, I promise you’ll get hooked. And don’t worry if you do because all five seasons are on Netflix. You’re welcome.
Mad Men
I’m sure you’ve heard this in every ad class you’ve had, but here it is again: Mad Men is a must. Don Draper simply knows how it’s done. Granted, I have not yet finished all of the seasons, but I have already learned so much. Although it is set back in a different time period, this series portrays how an agency functions and the interactions between employees and clients. However, the gender inequalities among the workers in the agency are very pronounced. Equality may be a smaller issue in today’s industry, but it still exists.
Books
As winter nears, there is nothing more tempting for some of us than curling up with a good book. These books will help you expand your mind while giving you a reason to spend day snuggled up in bed.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic, and its accompanying podcast “Magic Lessons” are self-help for creative types, and writers in particular. Their creator, Elizabeth Gilbert, is best-known for writing Eat, Pray, Love.
While there are parts of Big Magic that might not connect to the daily life of an APR major, there are plenty of parts that will connect with even the most logical of people. Gilbert is unconditionally caring and optimistic, using refreshing openness to talk about her own struggles. Her way of looking at creativity and inspiration is enchanting. Diving into this book has helped me to be a little more patient with the world, and to recognize that thinking creatively does require a bit of magic.
“Magic Lessons” is based on the goal of Big Magic, and connects real-life people struggling to embrace some aspect of their creative lives with Gilbert and her many compassionate friends from many walks of life. To be honest, I get emotional every time I listen to Gilbert’s kindness and rock-solid belief in each person she talks with on her show. If you’re ever having a rough day, or are feeling a bit uncertain about where your passion is taking you, then listening to “Magic Lessons” will help you immensely.
No Cape Needed by David Grossman, ABC, APR, and Fellow PRSA
If Big Magic is enchanting, then No Cape Needed is empowering. I received a copy of this book during David Grossman’s session at PRSSANC (if you were keeping up, he’s the one that made everyone cry) knew immediately that it needed to be on this list.
No Cape Needed is an in-depth look at many of the topics that Grossman talked about during his presentation about respectful authenticity. While it’s less likely to make you cry, you will feel just as motivated by Grossman’s simply-stated, actionable advice as everyone who attended his session did. If you want to become a better leader and communicator, then looking at even a few pages will give you plenty of insights.
Hailey Kilbarger is in her junior year at Grand Valley with a major in Advertising and Public Relations. She knew it was the major for her because she has loved to create logos and advertisements since she was young. Although her emphasis of study is in Advertising, she is interested in Public Relations as well and wants to get a feel for both industries. She loves to learn and travel and she will be studying abroad in Spain this winter semester to complete her Spanish minor. She is also minoring in Applied Statistics. In her free-time, Hailey enjoys finding unique little coffee shops to hangout at.
Nicole Clark is a senior at GVSU, where she is majoring in Writing and minoring in Public Relations. She is excited to be GrandPR’s Firm Editor and Blog Manager. She is also an intern at Rogo Marketing and Communications and a volunteer for the American Red Cross. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, learning about social issues, and teaching herself new skills. She is excited to use her extensive understanding of storytelling and grammar, and to learn new skills that will help her after graduation.