RE: APR Critics: Down With Education!

There are so many public relations and marketing professionals who criticize the APR.

Yet, here I am, studying for the APR exam and hoping to achieve this monumental credential before the year is out. I am not fazed.

I don’t mind the chatter and I don’t let other people’s definition of the APR persuade my decision to go for the credential. Getting the APR for me is showing my commitment to public relations. That’s it! I love the aspect of striving for a higher standard – this is much needed in PR due to those in the profession who give it a bad name. Even when I was a news reporter I didn’t mind PR people or give them names like “flack,” but I understand they were just doing their job. And on some days, I needed them to help me with my stories, give me access to the CEO or official, or help me round out my perspective.

I appreciate PRSA recognizing that it was time to update the credential and do better. This is a positive step in diversifying the types of people who obtain the APR, and give it more meaning to those who already possess it.