4 answers
Bernie’s Answer
Working in PR is great because there are so many potential channels for communicating your message and an infinite number of creative approaches one can take. It's great to start every day with an "accentuate the positive" mindset. One of the toughest negatives I've encountered is the challenge of communicating bad news. It's fun and easy to talk about record-breaking profits or exciting new product releases, but putting a positive spin on layoffs, chemical spills and the like is the true test of a PR professional. Being open, honest and as transparent as possible can make such experiences less painful and more rewarding.
Olivia’s Answer
I've done PR for most of my career and even though I love it very much, of course there are downsides, everything does, right?
So first of all, assess if negatives are real or just your perception, and if possible, change the way you look at it. Negative aspects is very subjective and some people might love certain things, others, hate it.
As to PR, there is a level of pressure for sure and hopefully you learn over time how to handle it. Mostly with deadlines, red tapes, getting info right and approved, pitching tough picky journalists. I've struggle with them in the past and now I look at them as challenges that I enjoy to overcome.
Hope readers and find fulfilling career paths!
Best,
Olivia
Barb’s Answer
Olivia,
That's a great question. first, know that all jobs, from jet pilot to brain surgeon have negatives. The key is to look at the elements of the job that play to your strengths, make you feel as though you are contributing and offer you room to grow.
There are lots of different ways to practice PR. You may experience a challenging client who constantly changes their mind and is never pleased, You may work your heart out on a campaign only to see that it gets zero media traction and no interest on the internet. That can be disappointing.
The point is, that if you are doing something you love, the good stuff outweighs the bad. Find a place to work with people of similar values and goals and a healthy culture. Keep challenging yourself and learning. If you can do that, anything is possible.
Good luck,
Barb
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David Schlosser
David’s Answer
It can be frustrating to put a lot of work into an announcement or an event that doesn't get the attention you think it deserves. The glass-half-full side of that is successfully placing a story is really sweet.