Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Week 4

In summary, the key points I learnt from this weeks reading from 'Public Relations FAQs' was that to get a job in the public relations industry, it is quite vital to do some form of work experience in the area you wish to work in, as getting a degree only offers you so much knowledge. On the job experience allows you to learn skills and information that may set you aside from others and gives you a 'leg up' into the industry before you even get there. I agree with this, and also think it helps the other wat around as well, as I have just begun a job that involves PR skills and knowledge and am finding that this on the job experience is helping me with learning the 'theory' and background knowledge in this degree.


A key point outlined was also about the preciseness and simplicity of job applications. I previously have tried to make applications as long as possible as I thought the more information I divulged, the smarter I would come across as. Therefore, this fact has helped me realise how wrong I was.

I found Chapter 11 'Internal Communication' quite an interesting read. It brought to light a lot of interesting facts and is something a lot of organisations should read. Its research and findings demonstrate a lot about the internal communications process and what works, doesn't work and what needs to be built on. I agreed with the statement that 'we communicate "with" employees, not "to" them, as communication is a two-way process' (Internal Communication, C. Tymson, P. Lazar, P and R. Lazar, p 314). I think this is probably one of the most important points from the reading and is something that should be illustrated to all organisations as the communication process is such an important one and should be done correctly and with some sufficient knowledge of the process.

The research finding that senior management is where most empoyees want to be communicated from was also important. And the fact that most employees find that senior management communication is not as adequate as it should be reveals the importance of senior people getting help from communicators. They are, after all, at the head of their industry and should be communication experts as the process is so vital in all organisational areas.

My learning builds upon previous learning about public relations in that the areas of PR that you can become involved in are so diverse and continuously changing. Many interviewees stated that an apect of PR that they enjoyed was the fact that every day brought something different. Many also stated that you have to be passionate about the job, and I think that that is an important aspect, not only in the Public Relations industry but when looking at getting any job. Perhaps work experience can also be a way to see if PR is an area we really are passionate about before we take the plunge of getting a full time job in the industry?

It also built upon my previous knowledge about the importance of communication in organisations, but allowed me to further comprehend the fact the communicating isn't just about getting a message across, but also relies on relationships.

5 comments:

stephz said...

I think you have covered very important points from both set text. I agree on your point about resumes. I also thought that it was best to put lots of information, achievements and skills you have on it. However, now realise that for Public Relations that is not the case. Instead we should make them simple, straight to the point and concise. Also we should have lots of white space. At interviews we should be confident in ourselves and know as much about the company as possible! I think it's wonderful that you already have a job which involves the work of PR. On-the-job experience is essential!!!

Kyla said...

I think that your point about on-the-job experience is important. I had never realised the extent to which that experience is viewed so highly. The degree alone is not enough and that's something that I am glad we've learnt now.

I also agree that the point that employers "communicate 'with' employees, not 'to' them". I also think that is one of the most important points from the readings and it is very important in the PR industry.

Jo said...

Yes, within my job my department manager communicates what she wants us to do on a daily basis. She is very helpful and approachable when we have questions and is very easy and trustworthy to talk to when we have any problems. She is also always up for giving us any feedback for example just recently I recieve a reward for good customer service. This sort of appreciation increased my job satisfaction immensely and made me eager to be more productive for the organisation. So I entirely agreed with the internal communication artilce that stated that managers communicating succesfully with their employes will lead to greater profitability and job satisfaction. However with such a large organisation I never have had direct communication with senior managers or CEOs of the company but weekly newsletters and layered communication through area managers is always on offer. Do you have a successful reationship with your management if so do you belive this has increased your job satisfaction?

Jo said...

Kel, I know exactly what you mean when you said " I previously have tried to make applications as long as possible as I thought the more information I divulged, the smarter I would come across as" I was exactly the same. But after reading the set readings I think we can take away alot of valuable hints such as it isn't about sounding smart but its about being smart and concise. I found this information very useful when trying to find a job in the future. Did you feel the same way?

Hayley's PR Blog said...

I really like the points that you have taken from this weeks readings and I completely agree on many levels.
I think it is important to gain work experience in the PR industry whilst studying so that one can truly understand the theory behind the profession.
I also agree with your understanding that communications and PR are just not about getting a message across but it relies on relationships. Therefore, Internal Communication is essential in building a successful organisation.