Public relations is the management function that enables an organization and its publics to adapt mutually to each other. Communities, companies, schools, trade groups, churches, political coalitions, social service organizations, cultural institutions and a wide variety of other entities depend upon public relations professionals to develop productive relationships with constituencies based on credibility and trust. Public relations practitioners use a variety of communication skills to work with the news media, community groups, investors, employees, donors, political leaders, activists, members, consumers and their publics to achieve common interests and to overcome common problems.
Career Opportunities
The "global" and "knowledge" economies, environmental concerns, issues management, fragmentation and proliferation of publics and new media technologies have created a high demand for public relations practitioners possessing skills including strategic planning, news and promotional writing, media design, web technologies, media buying, special event operations and communication accounting. Attributes required of those seeking success in the field include: maintaining high ethical standards; being proactive, innovative and flexible; and having the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
Opportunities
Every semester students have the opportunity to interview for internships in for-profit, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Depending upon the intern's qualifications and the organization's needs, students have the opportunity to earn college credit or wages in addition to gaining valuable insight and experiences. In addition to PRSSA and internships, students are welcome to become involved in UTV (the School of Communication television station), The Lumberjack (NAU's student-run newspaper), NAU Forensics and many other communication-skill intensive activities. Students should plan to incorporate field work in their course of study at NAU. Several opportunities exist.
Student Organization:
NAU's Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has received national recognition. The organization's mission is to provide students with professional experiences and contacts prior to graduation. Students of all majors and class ranking are welcome to participate in a wide range of activities designed to build portfolios and develop skills in a real-world setting. A close relationship exists between NAU, PRSSA and the Phoenix Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
For more information, contact chapter adviser Manny Romero at (928) 523-2507
E- mail Manny.Romero@nau.edu
Additional Information
For major specific information including scholarships and study abroad:
NAU
Box 5619
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5619
Telephone: (928) 523-2507
E- mail: Manny.Romero@nau.edu
