My fall semester was full of challenges. The biggest challenge was, without a doubt, CAP220 and the campaign project that was so satisfying at the end. At the start of this semester, however, we were tasked with writing our first blog post on PR's preconceptions. The major take away I wrote about was every detail matters, it's not just responsive, but strategic planning and PR is very versatile. While all these things are right, I didn't know what PR meant. I didn't stop and think about what every detail means until yesterday. I was finishing my semester-long campaign project. Every detail does matter in PR, but it's easier said than done. I was constantly scrolling through pages and checking everything off my list from the rubric to make it as perfect as possible. All the double-checking, adding little details like in the brochure I made, and making the corrections my professor suggested paid off in the end! The feeling when the grade came in was so satisfying and made those three all-nighters all worth it. I found out that every detail matters means giving your absolute best in every little thing.
PR is more about strategic planning than responsiveness, really no kidding. Cap 220 has taught me how much planning and thought create anything, let alone an entire campaign book. I had to plan out each week and make time for each section of the campaign book. The research took a while because it needed to be intentional for creating the action plan chapter of the campaign book. Research is typically just adding one little quote that backs what you're writing, and you move on in other classes. Not in Cap 220, the research needs to be in depth and proves that your plan actually could work. I thought creating the timeline would be extremely easy. Till I realize I can't execute my walk-a-thon tactic in the middle of February when my client is in Grand Rapids. The timeline overall wasn't horrible, but it took a lot more thought than I expected. Cap 220 made me realize how much work takes to plan something and how easy it is not to appreciate planning. I blogged about two major corporations Nike and Volkswagen; I praised both of these corporations for their publics' corporate strategy. However, looking back, I wish I was a fly on the wall when these companies were making decisions on fixing or improving their images. How much planning did it take Nike for their social justice campaign, or how did Volkswagen know that offering higher premiums for their vehicles would work?
The final take away that I had before this semester began was how versatile PR is. Now I think it's more how versatile you have to be for PR. Seriously, this class has taught me how to be a blogger, a researcher, and a strategist. Blogging has taught me to be a better writer and how to show my voice in writing. Blogging and the campaign project has taught me what it means to be a researcher. Being a researcher requires a lot of depth and evidence on how your plan is correct. Both researching and blogging requires planning and being a strategist. Being a strategist takes more than a good idea. It takes research, writing, and implementation. Yes, PR is versatile, and people have their niche, but PR requires you to be versatile. You can also find my campaign booklet in the portfolio section!
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