Not Your Average Learning Experience: Unconventional Ways I've Learned PR Skills

Curating yourself as a PR professional can seem intimidating. You’re thrust into a world where a well-rounded skillset is the key to success— where a hard-earned mix of both hard and soft skills combine to create seemingly effortless relationships. These skills and the experiences that create them can seem hard to earn, especially for new professionals breaking into the field. But luckily, the broad range of skills needed for public relations allows for almost infinite possibilities for unique interests to shine through. Upon entering college life, I noticed two life skills that I picked up in ways unrelated to a classroom-based education that allowed me to grow and thrive in PR: writing and networking. 

Writing 

When the average person thinks about PR, writing isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind as a key asset in the toolbox of a professional. However, the ability to write meaningful messages that fit into any given context can make or break relationships.

I've found that writing outside of a PR lens best prepares someone to face any written scenario. While practicing press releases and drafting social copy for your favorite brands can get you far, the best way to expand your skillset is by writing all the time and about every occasion. I have always loved to write notes and thank you cards to my friends and family and found that the act of consistently writing personally to the people closest to me has improved how I approach a letter to a client or a community member. Being able to gather what you know about a situation, add a personal spin, show understanding, and think ahead to the perception the target audience might have is the key to success in both writing styles. 

Along the same lines, journaling daily has improved my writing skills. It spurs creativity and pushes me to think critically about all aspects of the situation at hand, an important factor of any communications role. Writing for different contexts is imperative for college students or young professionals working on their skill sets, and it’s important to practice writing that both feels enjoyable and is outside of your comfort zone from time to time.

Networking

A key pillar of PR is the notion that who you know can often outweigh what you know. Building relationships through networking can help you receive advice, land an interview, gain a new client, and so much more. There are many opportunities to network professionally in higher education. Businesses, relevant clubs, or events are a great way to gain experience and build connections — but it’s also important to network beyond the professional context. 

Effective networking opportunities are often found in the most unconventional spaces. One of my favorite ways to meet new people is through university clubs and organizations that are not necessarily “related” to my field. While a communications-based relationships will help you dive deep into the world of PR, networking on the outside is an excellent vessel for conversation and expanding one’s worldview. Attending even just one club meeting— anything from a nonprofit organization to the ping-pong club— can open the doors to meeting new people and learning applicable skills. You never know who has the key to unlocking your next internship, applicable skills, or new interests. All it takes is showing up and being open to conversation.

At the end of the day, public relations is about taking whatever is thrown your way and adapting your mindset and strategies to create the best outcome. In both networking and writing, Finding niche and unconventional ways to practice and add to your PR skillset can propel you forward in any specialty that you choose to pursue.

Lauren Brasher is a junior at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising and Public Relations, with a minor in Digital Studies and Writing. She currently serves as VP of Professional Development on the PRSSA E-Board and is on the PRSSA Outreach Committee. Next semester, she will be a part of GrandPR as an Account Executive. In the future, Lauren hopes to get more involved with both organizations and keep learning about the world of PR!