Why PR is the Hidden Gem of Majors in the Catalog
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 80% of college students change their major at least once during their undergraduate career, with 1 in 10 students making the switch more than once. I was part of that statistic during my first three semesters at GVSU, I changed my major from marketing to education and then finally to advertising and public relations, with an emphasis in PR. I first heard about the major from a friend a couple of years older than me and was immediately intrigued. However, it wasn’t until I experienced the program firsthand that I truly understood the vast opportunities it offers. Now, as a second-semester senior, I feel qualified to share what this program has done for me and also help you persuade your friend who is thinking about switching their major.
Left Brain, Right Brain, Everybody’s Welcome!
No one understands your strengths better than yourself, and by the time I reached high school pre-calculus, I was certain that numbers were not my forte. However, I excelled in subjects like english, student government, and drama, which helped me realize that I needed a major that combined creativity and communication while steering clear of math-heavy topics. In my classes, I was empowered to craft press releases, develop creative strategies, and present campaigns to real-world clients. More importantly, I rediscovered my passion for learning and fueled my enthusiasm for my academic journey.
If you are one of the numbers and data-savvy individuals I admire (and constantly strive to learn from), it’s important to know that PR isn’t just about crafting creative campaigns and “following your gut” when making public-facing decisions. At its core, PR is about using data to inform strategic choices and creating solutions that benefit both clients and their stakeholders. Data has the power to predict trends, anticipate customer behavior, and even avert potential crises. public relations, in my view, is a melting pot of individuals with diverse strengths—each contributing in unique ways to achieve a common goal.
An Amazing Support Network
As an Advertising and Public Relations student at GVSU, I’ve had the privilege to learn from incredibly supportive professors with vast experience in the field, engage in hands-on coursework, and network with classmates who are equally passionate about the profession. The opportunities for growth here are exceptional – including access to our Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, which is nationally affiliated with PRSA. This connection opens doors to networking with professionals across the country—something few other student organizations can offer. Additionally, GVSU’s student-run PR firm, GrandPR, provides invaluable real-world experience working with actual clients, giving students a competitive edge when it comes to internships and job applications.
Limitless Opportunities
No matter who you are, or wherever your interests lie, every industry needs a PR/Communications professional. From sports to beauty to tech and finance – if you are passionate about a field, they need you there. It’s not just about promoting a product or managing a reputation; PR is about crafting meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, influencing public perception, and managing communications during times of crisis. Every organization, from global corporations to non-profits, needs skilled communicators who can shape narratives and effectively relay messages to the public. See my blog, What Can You Do With a Degree In Advertising and Public Relations? to find out what a career could look like for you.
The potential for specialization is another one of PR’s hidden gems. Once you get a taste of the field, you can carve out a niche for yourself that matches both your skills and your passions. Each industry has its own unique challenges, audiences, and strategies, but at the heart of each is the need for clear, effective communication. This creates almost limitless career opportunities, ranging from media relations and event planning to corporate communications and crisis management.
One of the most exciting aspects of PR is how quickly the field evolves alongside technological advancements. As digital platforms and social media continue to change the way we interact, the role of PR professionals has become even more integral to how businesses communicate. Social media strategists, digital content creators, and influencer relations experts are just a few of the newer PR career paths that didn’t exist just a few years ago, but have quickly become essential to public relations work today. This constantly shifting landscape ensures that no two days are the same, making a career in PR both dynamic and endlessly intriguing.
All Together, Now!
Public relations is much more than just a career choice—it’s a versatile, dynamic, and rewarding field that offers something for everyone, regardless of your strengths or interests. Whether you’re creatively inclined or data-driven, PR allows you to combine both skill sets while offering endless opportunities for growth and specialization. The support network, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities available to PR students at GVSU are invaluable in preparing for a successful career, and the versatility of the field means there’s always room to carve your own path. If you’re considering a major change or simply looking for a field that challenges you, allows for creativity, and offers limitless possibilities, PR might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
Eileen Schuring is a senior at Grand Valley State University majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. In PRSSA, she serves as the Vice President of Chapter Development. Eileen currently works as a Lifestyle Intern at WOODTV8. After graduating in April 2025, she aspires to secure a role in Public Relations or Marketing, where she can make meaningful contributions to her community.