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Public relations is a vital part of any organization's success. In our increasingly fast-paced and digital world, it’s important for organizations to stay in the public eye, and PR can be used to do that. Working in the field of public relations is highly engaging and has many opportunities for growth. It’s possible to develop in this dynamic profession by looking at and learning from a variety of established Saudi personalities who have excelled in their public relations career such as Aramco PR veterans Fahmi Basrawi, Mahmoud Almashhadi, Abdullah Jumah, and Ali Alajlan.
The importance of public relations Essentially, public relations is the process of managing the flow of information between an individual or an organization and the public. Public relations professionals may work on behalf of private companies, government agencies, or brands, with the aim of raising awareness and forming a positive public opinion for whomever they are representing. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing a public relations strategy, which can include publicizing the organization’s accomplishments and goals, as well as managing crises. With that in mind, the work of a PR professional can be divided into two broad categories: corporate communications and crisis management. The corporate communications function is typically part of a company's marketing department and handles communication with employees, shareholders, investors, customers, suppliers, partners, and the media. While crisis management involves handling negative publicity related to things like product recalls or workplace injuries.
Characteristics of a PR professional A Saudi research study issued by Al-Qarar Center for Media Studies stated that a public relations professional must be proficient in public speaking and dialogue, which is one of the highly sought-after qualities in the field and will also determine a person's rate of success. Other highly prized traits include the ability to respond swiftly, have organized thinking, strong character, and impulse control. Whether it's your dream job or you're looking for a new career path to explore, follow these tips to know more about this engaging sector:
1- Share your interest in the PR sector within your social network
2- Specify your interest Are you interested in working with many different companies or are you more passionate about really developing yourself in one particular company? Your answer will help determine the direction you should pursue in your public relations career. Public relations is important in all types of companies, whether they’re specialized in fashion or financial services, so it's crucial to know that PR work can be applied in any type of sector.
3- Receive training It will be much easier to decide which direction you’d like to take after undertaking a period of training. It may be important to apply for an internship with a specialized public relations agency or within the public relations department of an organization. Many PR agencies usually employ interns, so starting this way will be a wise move in the long run.
4- Always develop yourself You can expand your knowledge when necessary, such as pursuing a master’s degree or taking specialized courses in public relations. Some companies require at least a bachelor’s degree while other public relations manager jobs require a master’s degree. Some public relations professionals even come from a variety of specialties such as the arts or humanities.
Today, the Kingdom is witnessing tangible leaps in the field of public relations. Many private companies, public organizations, as well as governmental departments have their own specialized PR departments or work directly with PR firms. The opportunities are abundant and you have to determine which path truly fulfills your aspirations. |
