10 Signs You're a Public Relations Major

#1: You hear, “Oh you’re communications major? You must love speaking in front of large groups of people,” and find yourself awkwardly smiling.

Sure, some of us do love to speak! (Notice how I said some). As PR majors, most of us can agree public speaking can be exciting and fuel us. Often times after we’ve finished speaking, we feel empowered and quite frankly…pretty awesome. However, that doesn’t mean our stomachs won’t uncontrollably flutter right before we speak to a large group of people.

#2: You can’t go a day without hearing, “In the PR world you have to be a good writer,” or “I hope you’re working on your writing skills.”

Writing, writing, writing. We get it. Maybe we’ll start editing our fifth revision after we stop crying, crying, crying from stress.

#3: You regret taking MLA style so seriously in high school.

There’s no doubt that APA is the dominant writing style in the PR world. To be honest, because of all of our experience we can all probably teach an APA “how-to” class.

#4: You overanalyze every commercial and ad you see.

PR majors see advertisements in a different light than most people because we’ve practiced analyzing them in our classes. To be honest, maybe this is why people get confused when they pass our classrooms and always see videos playing on the projector.

#5: You’ve stressed over whether or not you should start a blog to showcase your writing skills.

We know the importance of having blog experience. It’s great writing experience and it’s something to showcase once we enter the professional world. What usually hinders this process—or stops it all together—is not knowing what exactly we should write about.

#6: You can admit you’ve fantasized about being a publicist for a celebrity.

The stereotype of working for a celebrity usually has glamour and financial perks associated with it. However, PR majors realize that this isn’t the reality, and that an actual large amount of work is needed for this profession. Just think Steve Harvey and Hillary Clinton. Nothing against either of these individuals, but after Harvey’s Miss America drama and Clinton’s email scandals, we realize their publicists must be working day and night to build these individuals’ reputations up again.

#7: We’re professionals at avoiding science classes.

Let’s face it. Most PR majors are right brain dominant. We’re creative people who need creative outlets. Sure, we know that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell (thank you high school), but we’re usually the first people to admit that science isn’t our forte.

#8: Randomly letting theories you learn slip into daily conversation with others.

Communication theories slyly slip into conversation with others every once in a while. It usually happens when we’re talking to fellow communication majors. Theories are something we can weirdly all bond over.

#9: When professors complain and say, “Nobody your age ever stays updated with the news,” you find yourself getting irritated.

Um…excuse us, professor? Unlike many students, we can literally name three top news stories without checking our smartphones. As PR majors, we’re well aware it’s our job to stay updated.

#10: You have refrained yourself from wanting to punch someone after they’ve said, “What exactly do you do as a PR major?”

Trying to explain this to our family and friends is difficult because having a major under the communication umbrella opens so many doors. Not only can we work as PR specialists, but we can do so much more. The following listed are just to name a few: sales, advertising, media planning, marketing coordinating, fundraising, nonprofit promotion, event planning, market research analyzing and publicity work.

Graphic by Lindsay Campbell

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