Comments on: Inside PR #98 – Tuesday, February 12, 2008

By: James McNally

James McNally — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:02:03 +0000

Thanks for addressing my ethics question this week, although you’re right. I think you could spend a few entire shows talking about these issues. I’m curious why it appears that nobody discusses this subject on any of the other PR blogs out there. I’m reading http://www.prwatch.org but it seems that none of the PR blogs mentions it.

And for you students, what attention do your professors give to the ethical questions, especially in light of the public perception of PR as “spin”?

By the way, I saw the film Michael Clayton last night, and George Clooney’s role as a “fixer” doesn’t seem so far off from a crisis management public relations practitioner. Did anyone else see it?

By: Mike Keliher

Mike Keliher — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:35:28 +0000

Don’t kill the Inside PRoper English segment. If you do, I swear, I’ll never listen to your show again (until you post the next episode). I mean it.

(Seriously, though, I do enjoy Inside PRoper English. Chalk up at least one vote for keeping it around).

By: Megan Ramsay

Megan Ramsay — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:08:23 +0000

Hi Terry and Dave, I really enjoy your podcast and can’t wait for episode 100. I have some personal experience regarding your topic this week and thought I’d give some input.
After I graduated from university I decided that I wanted to get into a career in public relations. I applied anywhere and everywhere just looking for an opportunity. Every agency and organization told me that I need some PR experience or a postgraduate degree in PR to be considered. I thought my degree in Communications would be enough but I quickly learned that employers are looking for more.
I am now attending Centennial College and am preparing myself for a job in PR. I feel that I am ready for any challenge and have learned skills that set me apart from people with just a BA. Another benefit students gain from postgraduate education is internships. Our program requires students to do a two month internship at the end of the program as part of the curriculum. Its gives us the opportunity to get hands on experience while putting our knowledge to the test. Most students will get hired on by their internship placement and those who don’t will have the experience required to land a good job. So for someone who has attempted both roads, I highly recommend the school route.

By: Tom Reidt

Tom Reidt — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:43:27 +0000

I’m currently a PR student in a post-grad program at Ryerson, and I would like to say that it has been an excellent experience. However, I think you’re right that more could be learned by working at a PR firm for a year than taking weekly classes. The catch is without PR experience, it is difficult to land a paying PR job. The educational background, at the very least, indicates to employers that you’re dedicated to the field and are worth hiring. At least I hope so.

Also, I love the Inside PRoper English segment. I would hate to see it go, but after 100 episodes I imagine there aren’t many common errors left to discuss. Maybe a best-of segment?