What’s the difference between PR/Marketing/Advertising?

The answer is lots… but with significant crossover.

One of the problem with the lack of clarity is that companies often clump these types of positions into similar roles and departments. When you’re looking for a PR position you’ll likely be put into the same category as the other fields in job databases. In fact, many job titles are confusing as to which discipline they are trying to attract. What is a communications officer anyway?

A bigger problem is that PR has a difficulty identifying itself. PR can/not be lumped into the “communications” group, but others argue that PR is a subdiscipline. PR is often associated with “sneaky” tactics and has a bit of its own reputation problem. However, organizations are trying to improve and define the PR practice.

The bottom line, is that marketing is selling products, and PR is selling ideas and the organization. Advertising is a tactic used by both disciplines to achieve its goals. It doesn’t hurt to know a little about both disciplines to be successful as a PR practitioner. In fact, you’ll need to know a little about all types of departments and job roles to do a good job communicating on behalf of your organization.

The PR program offers a few classes to help define your “communications” path:

•  Public Relations Fundamentals and Practice
• Fundamentals of Business
• Integrated Marketing Communications

Good luck navigating the terminology. Remember, as a PR practitioner, you are responsible for maintaining the image of your industry.

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Blogging to blog

for grades. Artificiality is the edifice of group projects assigned this semester. Make it real but ignore the world. A proper blog considers its audience, and it’s time for some feedback.

I have been writing about subjects important to students of MacEwan Public Relations, awkwardly formal articles redefining tedium by additionally inspiring ambivalence. Some people are writing conversationally about their interests or even a daily web log (imagine that), perhaps tangential to PR, yet in proper blog style. Our critical posts discuss CP style and the CPRS, and our most popular post is an excellent recipe for curried chicken mango wraps.

You are my audience, our audience, the PeR Se audience. We have many more articles to write; tell us what you’re enjoying or what helps you most.

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Professional Organization Profile: CPRS – Edmonton

CPRS – Edmonton is one of 16 local chapters of the Canadian Public Relations Society. Since 1963, it has served the needs of the local PR community, providing professional, educational, and ethical standards for the public relations profession.

What does this mean for us public relations practitioners after graduation?

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Professional Organization Profile: IABC

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a large professional organization of “about 15,000 business communication professionals in over 80 countries.”

Members work in public relations, corporate communications, public affairs, investor and government relations, marketing, writing, advertising, graphic design and more.

While an IABC membership does cost, the organization offers a student rate and a variety of resources for student members. IABC provides professional development sessions to members and an online job site that posts available PR and communications positions across the world. IABC is a great place to look for work or to see what sort of opportunities are avail

able for professional communicators.

Perhaps most importantly, IABC offers accreditation as an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC). This program is the “global standard of professional achievement for business communicators.” It is a peer-reviewed program whose candidates must demonstrate knowledge of strategic communications planning, implementation, measurement and ethics.

Visit the IABC to learn more.

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