Surviving the Sequence: Digital Public Relations

Digital Public Relations, previously named PR Online, is a course focused on building a brand online: both for yourself and for a class assigned client.

Every student in the class is required to start a blog for personal branding. Be sure to choose a topic that can be related back to public relations in some way. It doesn’t have to be the main focus of your blog, but one blog post does need to be about the intersection of your topic and public relations. For example, my blog focused on online dating, and I dedicated a whole post to companies purchasing advertisements on dating apps like Tinder.

Another aspect of the class is working with a client. Each semester, the entire class works with a new client, helping identify a problem and create a solution with the client’s online presence. This involves looking into programs like Hootsuite and Google Analytics. You learn skills like online listening and monitoring and reporting on analytics.

There are various other projects that occur throughout the class, with the focus being on all things digital! Students will learn how to create podcasts through programs like Audacity, learn the basics of online writing, create social media audits and become certified in Hootsuite Academy - a skill you can add to your resume!

To succeed in this class, make sure to do the following:

• Complete all activities outside of class. There are supplemental readings and Hootsuite Academy videos that walk you through the basics of online public relations, writing and analytics. These readings make up the basis of most class discussions and will help you both in and outside of the classroom.
• Pick a blog topic you’re passionate about! While you only have to complete a few posts for class, picking a topic that captures your interest makes the writing process easier. Be sure to pick a topic that you would be okay with showing employers, but also a topic that reflects your personality.
• Love your client. Conducting client research is vital for success. By knowing your client, your class project can turn into a portfolio piece and give you real world skills you can speak about in job interviews.  

Erin Zaranec is a senior public relations major and is PRSSA Kent's president. Contact her at [email protected]. 

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