Week Four

I found the Tymson reading really simple and useful in it's outline of a typical Public Relations program. The steps being put under different headings with the particular pro's and con's of each method gave a really easy to understand first look at how to go about planning your public relations program.

It was great to get some insight into some of the diverse jobs available in the Public Relations industry in the James reading. I was happy to see that people such as Yatu Widders (pg 57) and Jessica Walker (Pg 80), enjoy their jobs and are both doing well at such a young age. It seems as though if you have the knowledge and the drive, public relations allows young people to get right in there and take charge. I was also happy to see that many of the jobs in PR were reasonably flexible and the people in the industry had a balance between work and play in their lives.

In summary, the key points I learnt from this week's readings were: planning the the most integral part of any public relations program. Without planning,research and objectives, you waste alot of time and money.

Two way communication with your employer is vital in creating a successful public relations program.

It is important to evaluate the program and reset objectives.

Formal education is useful, but experience is just as important when applying for jobs in the PR industry.

A clean and simple resume, along with being confident in your interview and knowing as much as possible about the company you are applying for are all ways of improving your chances of standing out to potential employers.

My learning builds upon previous learning about public relations in that the jobs are not nearly as glamorous as they are made out to be. The field is very diverse and your job can change dramatically from one day to another. The Tymson reading also reinforced the importance of knowing your theory in communications to become a successful Public Relations practitioner.