WHAT IS PUBLIC RELATIONS?

The public relations program at North Carolina A&T provides students with a combination of theory and hands-on skills.

Public relations isn’t for someone who “likes people” or doesn't like math. Public relations practitioners are strategic managers who have a solid understanding of both communication and business.

Excellent public relations builds and maintains the relationships between an organization and a variety of different groups of people. These relationships are based on proven behavior, not a make-believe image or misleading information.

What does it take to be a successful public relations practitioner?

• Outstanding writing skills. Good writing is the most important skill of a public relations practitioner.

• Familiarity with a variety of communication techniques. In addition to learning how to produce news releases, news conferences and special events, you’ll also learn about desktop publishing (newsletters, brochures, and posters), web design, audio production (podcasts) and video production.

• The ability to conduct and analyze research. Public relations isn’t based on gut feelings and guesses. Practitioners need to be able to determine what effects their communication have on specific audiences.

Where can I work?

Companies need professional communication staffs today more than ever.

You can work as a public relations practitioner in an industry that interests you, such as banking, sports, entertainment, medicine, the military, not-for-profit organizations, or the government.

You can also choose to work in a specialization of public relations such as employee relations, speech writing, international public relations, media relations, crisis communication, community relations, fund raising and development, or lobbying.

For more information about the public relations concentration, contact Dr. Frank Marra. His office is in room 121 of Crosby Hall.