The article "Job Market Turns Must Worse", shares a dismal decline in the salaries and positions available in the communications field. The statistics show that only 17% of public relations graduates actually took a job in the traditional public relations field. I’m forced to ask myself the question, did I chose a degree in a field that is being phased out? The conclusion that I decided on is no. Being a Communication major with a minor in public relations has without a doubt strengthened my writing, research and time management skills. I honestly can not think of an industry where these traits are not valuable. 17% of PR Grads working in PR should worry other industries, as that leaves 83% qualified competitors in another field.

Most graduates dream of their future and the career path. However through experience I have found that with or without a degree and in or out of a recession, the market will dictate your future career. My favorite doctor has a BA in English and At PR Day this year, I met a history major that worked in IT. I said that to say, I’m staying positive despite what statistics say. My passion is HR and ideally that would be the best position, ideally. But when this graduate leaves college, I will know that I received a degree that changed my work ethic, professional stance and gave me a good running start in the market, even if that start doesn’t lump me with the 17%. Without communication commerce is impossible, which leaves a diverse list of options out there for us pr pros. Besides if its one thing I've learned as an undergrad in PR, it's to always have a plan A and B.

Learning to apply PR in familiar setting is somewhat of a craft. Learning to apply PR in international waters can be compared to learning a new language. In the International Public Relations study presented in the textbook, “Cases in Public Relations Management” tips, essentials and guidelines are highlighted and we will discuss those shortly.
NatureWorks LLC., produces “improved plastics made of corn-based PLA by making them easier to manufacture and more heat resistant.” In laymen’s terms they make green biodegradable packaging. This case study was important and relates to international public relations because of their beginnings. Thought to be a passing trend or fade in eastern Europe NatureWorks LLC had to tailor their appeal to fit international markets. To become the global provider that NatureWorks, LLC is today, they had to learn different cultures, markets and learn how communicate their products appeal and benefits.
This leads me to those tips refer to earlier:
1. Level of media development and professionalism
2. Level of economic development
3. Political ideology
4. Societal tolerance for activism
5. Strength of labor unions
6. Level of development of the legal system
7. State to state relations
8. Relationship between gov’t and business
These components are different in every country. Learning how they affect public relations and commerce was beneficial to NatureWorks LLC., as you can’t market to a consumer that you don’t understand.

Balancing school, work and play.
Buy a planner and use it. In the PR World things happen fast, keeping tracks of dates and deadlines will pay off in the end.

Network, Network, Network!
This term is tossed around so much that it may be the “cliché” that many overlook. However its importance is invaluable. Maintaining strong connects have helped me consistently with references to space reservations. Keep you friends close and your business associates closer.

Social Media is no longer a trend it sets the bar.
Your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flicker, Blog and every other online subscription is now your professional or unprofessional connection to endless possibilities. Social media outlets are used by businesses, potential employers and cyber networkers. Using them wisely can open doors, but ignoring their global presence can leave you in the 20th century.

Proof Reading
Definitely not my strong suit, but in the land of publication and especially print creditability is earned not given. If people can not trust what you write it’s not worth the LCD screen its viewed on.

Plan to Fail
Most plans do not go as planned. It is your job as public relations professionals to foresee these mini crises. If you have backup plan it will save you time and stress WHEN things go differently than plan. Super efficient PR practitioners will typically have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C.

Save your biggest accomplishments and achievements.
A portfolio is a nice collection of your best work. Don’t ever throw anything away because one day it will come in handy.

To become the cream of the crop you must execute.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “you’re only as good as your last sale” it’s probably because the world plays by this unwritten rule. You need to produce, every time period. Every client is different and last weeks accomplishments will not carry you into the next week.

If you make a commitment stick to it.
This is one lesson learned the hard way. It is such a let down to yourself and others, when you make commitments and do not follow through. No one will be mad if you say no. Actually you leave the door open for someone who will come through in the long run.

Last but not least be yourself!
This is more from a personal stance, than a professional one. This was something I struggled with; trying to fit round molds that sometimes we’re impossible to squeeze into as a square peg. Be yourself and find your own style. Personal happiness effects professional growth.