One of my students poses an intriguing question. If anyone can become a PR student, does it follow that anyone can work in public relations?

Very interesting question, Richard.

Of course, not everyone can become a PR student provided there are grade requirements for admission. Both our schools have them, so the premise is flawed.

But, to the more important question, as to whether many people ‘think’ anyone can do PR … I believe that is a widely held belief. Of course, I don’t agree with it.

Let’s just say that anyone can ‘try’ to do it.

In my podcast interviews, I’ve noticed that so many PR practitioners come from widely divergent backgrounds. Many have formal education in other disciplines (English, Journalism, etc.), yet they have learned PR tactics/skills ‘on the job’ and do quite well.

Formalized PR curriculums at universities are young. With Bernays’ publication of “Crystallizing Public Opinion” (1923), it still took years for colleges/universities to accept PR as a social science. The reality is, many some in academia still don’t accept it as so. Sad, but true.

So, I guess my answer to your student is ‘yes’ – some can, but not anyone.

And, let’s not forget all the dismal failures that try and do more harm than good.

Update: Philip Young joins in with another question and his answer.

Will my best students make the best PRs? By and large I think the answer will prove to be yes, but I can see a bright future for a couple who won’t set the academic world ablaze.

What I do believe quite strongly is that almost every single one of them will benefit from having a PR degree.

I agree. Big surprise, right?

Elizabeth Albrycht made a comment in a recent interview which will be published (as a podcast) at PR Quest. Elizabeth shared something she read recently which implied that “the shelf life of a college degree may be three years.” While I have my disagreements with a blanket assertion like that, because a college degree will serve you for a lifetime, I do understand what she means. The world is changing so fast, you have to keep up.

So, let’s say that the PR degree will prepare practitioners to make a quicker transition to the professional world than someone that just ‘takes up’ the practice from other backgrounds. Further, the PR degree – combined with continuing education – is the best path to success.

And, as Philip points out, sometimes the ‘not so best’ students will have the most stellar/successful careers. Or, they will contribute in ways we never could have imagined. It happens.