Surviving the PR Sequence: Public Relations Campaigns

By Hanna Moore

Public Relations Campaigns is the capstone course in the PRKent sequence and is taught by PR Sequence Coordinator Michele Ewing, APR.

This class provides an opportunity for you to experience the practice of strategic public relations. Each class has a real-client, for which teams have to create and present a public relations plan. Past clients have included Kent State’s Student Multicultural Center, Akron Children’s Hospital and Eaton Corporation.

You will work with a group for the entire semester to develop a realistic and measurable plan that your client could implement in the future.

Class time is typically made up of team meetings, class discussions, advising and hands-on application of public relations principles. Each team has three professional advisers who help shape the strategy of your plan and look over your plan before you submit it.

PR Campaigns also offers advice about how to get a job in public relations and how to approach today’s competitive job market.

Assignments for this class include a research report and situation analysis, a preliminary public relations plan, a final plan/proposal document and a presentation. You are also graded individually on peer evaluations and professionalism/individual work.

To succeed in this class:

• Respect all of your teammates. No idea is a bad idea! You should hear everyone out during brainstorming because you never know where someone’s “bad” idea could lead you.
• Manage your time well. Don’t put off anything in this class because deadlines approach quickly, and getting behind in one section will only hurt you in the long run.
• Proofread everything. Even if your team has a designated editor, it is helpful to make your writing as flawless as possible to avoid errors in the final copies you submit to Michele.
• Take this class seriously. PR Campaigns is a chance for you to put everything you have learned in the PRKent sequence to use. You can take your casebook from this class to interviews and land a job or an internship! Putting in hard work throughout the semester can definitely help you succeed post graduation.

Hanna Moore is a senior public relations major and PRSSA Kent’s web and social media manager. Contact her at [email protected].

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