I am a really shy communication major, but I would like to pursue a career as a copy writer with a public relations firm. I am very passionate about writing, but I am not sure if I am cut out for this field. Any suggestions will be very helpful. Thanks
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
you just act. fake it. pretend to be outgoing, and then go home and lock the door and be private.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 am
Just act like you are outgoing. Shy people can and will be successful in public relations. Sooner or later, I plan on going back to college to finish my degree in a similar field.
December 25th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Adapt to survive.
Be outgoing and brash while in the workplace, then go home and be normal.
December 28th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
this may sound kind of stupid or nike-ish but… JUST DO IT.
if you don’t give yourself the chance, you’ll never find out if you are good for that stuff. then you’ll continue pursuing a dream you’ll never reach but not because you can’t, but because you don’t want to.
i myself am very shy, and i’m working as a translator… at the begining it was awful, to speak to a large crowd… and if you don’t say something the right way, everyone turns back and give a cold stare at you… but i decided not to feel down because of thet, and here i am, still working as an interpreter, because that was my dream
sooooo, lemme say it once more: JUST DO IT MAN
December 29th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
in public relations you need to be out going
December 31st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
For public relations management positions, some employers prefer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public relations or journalism. The applicant’s curriculum should include courses in advertising, business administration, public affairs, public speaking, political science, and creative and technical writing.
I don’t know that you need to be outgoing to qualify for the job. I think you need all the courses and trainings and the leads to get the jobs. Here are some job descriptions for public relations:
Public relations managers supervise public relations specialists. These managers direct publicity programs to a targeted audience. They often specialize in a specific area, such as crisis management, or in a specific industry, such as health care. They use every available communication medium to maintain the support of the specific group upon whom their organization’s success depends, such as consumers, stockholders, or the general public. For example, public relations managers may clarify or justify the firm’s point of view on health or environmental issues to community or special-interest groups.
Public relations managers also evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts and serve as the eyes and ears of top management. They observe social, economic, and political trends that might ultimately affect the firm, and they make recommendations to enhance the firm’s image on the basis of those trends.
Public relations managers may confer with labor relations managers to produce internal company communications—such as newsletters about employee-management relations—and with financial managers to produce company reports. They assist company executives in drafting speeches, arranging interviews, and maintaining other forms of public contact; oversee company archives; and respond to requests for information. In addition, some of these managers handle special events, such as the sponsorship of races, parties introducing new products, or other activities that the firm supports in order to gain public attention through the press without advertising directly.
December 31st, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Shy people are the best, providing first, they have conquered the worst part of their shyness that stops you from actually delivering and, later in your career, never forget how it used to be and to help others with the same problem. Only truely shy people understand how it is and what advice to give.
For now, seperate your acknowledgement of your shyness from what occupation you would feel really passionate about. Passion is the great cure for shyness.
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:55 pm
In PR, it’s very important to be assertive and “out going”. I’d suggest you to work with advertising-related firms rather than with PR firms. Or, you could be a journalist instead. The world is open for you to explore. Go for it and decide later on, if you cut into something or dont. One thing about life, never assume into something before you really know it.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:16 am
yes of course! this world is cover with all type of people mayhem you don’t know! your shy communication may lead you to another career which will explore to another which is higher standard ! just do your best, that all!
January 6th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I believe when you are doing something you love and you are knowledgeable and talented in your field, you tend to take on a whole new persona at work and the shyness goes away.
I consider myself introverted, I really do not enjoy social situations and meeting new people, I get very anxious. BUT I was a successful insurance agent for 15 years, dealing with the public and managing employees on a daily basis.
Once I had a little experience in the insurance world and started having success and climbing the ladder, people began to need my help and respect my opinion. That gives you a boost to take your talents to the next level. The more knowledgeable you get, the more sought after you are. You just have to be willing to work for it.
Once I stepped out of the office, I would be back to my old shy self. It was only within the confines of my profession that I was able to blossom into the confident, social butterfly I needed to be to become successful. It was like having 2 different identities, and I think alot of people can relate to that.
So go fo it - if you are passionate about it, I believe it will make you happy.
January 7th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Well, I am in the communications field and I’ve dealt with people the works in the public relations department. In actuality, to give you some relief, just becuase it is public relations doesn’t mean you are going to be giving out speeches unless you’re going to be a public speaker which is a public administration major. But regardless of your field, you are going to be speaking in groups of people ie: meetings, conferences etc. And if you’re shy, then we have a problem. I totally hear you because I used to be real shy! And it doesn’t take a few days, a few months to get over it - it takes time, maybe years and most especially PRACTICE. Now, what I did is I took Speech 101 classes in college. That helped me out a lot in presenting my ideas. Plus, I was confident of what my topics and what I was writing that I was willing to tell the whole class about it. Normally, you’ll get nervous but if you just PRACTICE and really learn what you’re going to say to people and be able to express it - then you’ll be fine. I suggest, you sign up for those toast masters classes, they really HELP and be CONFIDENT!
January 7th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
A copywriter probably doesn’t have to be real outgoing. If you plan to establish your own PR firm, being outgoing would probably be important.
Good luck.