PRWeek singles out COM for training the next generation of PR pros

The future of public relations is bright, and according to a recent PRWeek column, a big reason for this industry optimism can be found in the halls of Boston University's College of Communication.

In his May 13 column "I have seen the future of PR — and it works" Editor-in-Chief Steve Barrett recalled a recent visit to BU and he praised COM's Public Relations program for training students to hit the ground running upon graduation. Barrett cited COM's blending of theory and practice, and its willingness to train students across disciplines, as major strengths.

BU’s College of Communication is made up of programs in PR, advertising, journalism, communication, film and TV, and emerging media. Like a mini holding company the different programs have learned to work together — there are no longer lines that can’t be crossed between PR and advertising; in fact they work together closely.

Another pillar of COM's public relations training is working experience, be it through the internship program or the student-run public relations agency, PRLab.

Barrett talked to a few students who have finished the program and who are ready to take the next step. According to Barrett, those conversations give him good reason for his optimistic outlook.

Their perspectives are rooted in the harsh realities of life for young people leaving learning in this day and age, with the anchor of student loan debt especially harsh for graduate students. They know they have to leave college with skills that are fit for purpose in the modern workplace so, while that might be slightly depressing from a societal point of view, it is good news for PR employers looking for talented employees who are digital natives.