I was thinking about hiring a PR firm for some advertising for my business. However, there’s this local firm that has been very successful and have lots of clients. Although it is small (less than 5 employees counting the owner), they seem to be doing good. However, the owner does not have a PR/Marketing degree. I am just a little worried. Is it okay to practice PR and even own a firm without a degree?
Can someone practice Public Relations without a degree?
I was thinking about hiring a PR firm for some advertising for my business. However, there’s this local firm that has been very successful and have lots of clients. Although it is small (less than 5 employees counting the owner), they seem to be doing good. However, the owner does not have a PR/Marketing degree. I am just a little worried. Is it okay to practice PR and even own a firm without a degree?
One Response
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
You don’t need a degree to do PR. Having a degree may or may not make you knowledgable about the field. Generally speaking PR is about street smarts, paying attention, and knowing the people and market you want to address. That cannot be taught in schools.
School will teach you lots of other useful things, but nothing that cannot be learned elsewhere.
When you hire a PR firm you are hiring someone that understands your vision, priorities, and goals. Do thorough interviewing and put the PR goals in writing with plenty of milestones so you can always know how your program is progressing.
Good Luck