What’s Public Relations

Anyway?

By definition, PR is the practice of managing the

flow of information between an individual or organization and the public. Ultimately, the person or organization seeks to gain exposure to

their audiences using topics of public interest and news

items. Establishing good relations is essential for success. In the world of

public relations image and reputation is key!

Eligibi l ity

Time Constraints:

One to two years to complete requirements

Grade Point Average:

Cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher

Class Level:

Sophomore or higher

Course Prerequisites:

ADV 260 & ADV 225 or JRN 200

MSU’s Public Relations Specialization

For More Info, Contact

Lauren Gaines

gainesla@msu.edu 189 Com. Arts & Science

Career Choices

MSU’s PR special izat ion prov ides students w ith the knowledge and experience in develop ing public relat ions materials for use in corporate, governmental , and

nonprofi t organizat ional sett ings. Areas of focus include public relat ions and society, wri ting for the media, public re lat ions techniques, research methods, public relat ions

strategy and campaigns. In combination wi th the student’s major, the program prepares them with adequate training to succeed wi thin an entry- level posit ion in the

industry .

Crisis Management: What should an organization say and do when a crisis occurs? The crisis may be a plane crash, an oil tanker running around, a product tampering, a fire, or a student demonstration. When an event like this occurs, reporters want information, quotes, interviews and visuals. What do you say? What do you give them? Who gets in front of the camera? Press Agentry: How do you get publicity for your client? How do you make your client famous and, in the process, wealthy? These are some of the goals of a typical press agent. He or she knows how to create news, how to draw the attention of reporters and newscasters. Press agents may represent sports figures, entertainment celebrities, politicians, or other persons seeking the limelight. Public Information: Many of the not-for-profit public relations efforts can be classified as public information. The American Cancer Society, Red Cross, and the National Cancer Institute engage in public information every time they warn the public of the dangers of smoking, the presence of lead in paint, or the hazards of local waste disposals. And health is just one of the sectors in which public information is practiced. Most school systems, museums, unions, trade associations, interest groups, and other organizations develop public information campaigns to educate the public about issues, problems and opportunities. Community Relations: How do you mobilize a community to do something about pollution? How does a corporation squelch opposition in a community to one of its plants? How can a community get a new library? These are questions that community relations specialists might answer. Skills in coalition building, analyzing problems, and management are most useful, as is background in sociology and psychology. Special Events Coordination: A hospital sponsors an open house and invites members of the community to get acquainted with the staff. A corporation holds an employee picnic for employees and their families in an effort to boost morale. A new store recruits the mayor to hold the scissors at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. These are the types of activities that special events coordinators plan and implement. Attention to detail, organization skills and creativity are essential.