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Ask a PRofessional Column |
Question: I’m an experienced PR professional who works for a nonprofit organization in the arts. However, I need to round out my resume and my professional experience, and I thought that working for a public relations agency would help. I’ve noticed that a lot of younger PR practitioners have agency experience, and I think that is something that’s missing from my resume. Should I try to get a job with an agency?—P.D., Washington, DC.
Dear P.D.: I think the first question you should ask yourself is, do you want a job in a PR firm? It would be better for you to stay where you are or seek a more challenging position in a field you enjoy than working for an agency for its own sake.
PR agency work is demanding and can be stressful. As an account executive, you are responsible not only for your client(s), but also for bringing in new business, since clients come and go. Are you the entrepreneurial type? Or do you prefer to focus of conducting PR programs? If it’s the latter, then you might not be happy in a PR firm.
Another characteristic of agency work is that you can’t choose your clients. Many PR firms have a diversity of clients, and unless they are in a field that you are interested in (technology, healthcare, politics, whatever), you might not be as enthusiastic working for the organization as you would be working for one in a field you have chosen. If you like working in an atmosphere that deals with many different issues, than an agency might be a good fit.
I suggest that you seek challenges in your present position, or seek a job that offers challenges and rewards that you aren’t getting now. Your resume will reflect your professional growth and development, and you will be a happier PR practitioner.
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