By Anika Mahansaria
When I first entered college, I believed I had mapped out my entire future. I was confident in my decision to major in journalism, certain that it was the right path for me. However, as I delved deeper into my coursework and began exploring other aspects of the communication field, I developed an inkling that public relations (PR) might be a better fit. The more I learned about PR, the more I realized that it aligned more closely with my skills and interests, prompting me to reconsider my academic path.
At first, I was disheartened to learn that I couldn't participate in clubs like PRLab due to course requirements. I was eager to gain hands-on experience and worried that these restrictions would slow my progress, which led me to develop anxieties about whether it was right for me to switch my major or not.
However, BU has provided me with a plethora of resources that have supported my future career aspirations, even as a freshman and without PRLab. For instance, PRo Bono Night was the one that solidified my decision to switch to PR. During this event, I had the opportunity to work with a real client—the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation. This hands-on experience was exactly what I had been craving. Not only did it expose me to the practical applications of PR, but it also allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Professors at BU are also extremely helpful in pointing me to ways to get involved without PRLab. Even in my introductory PR course, I have the opportunity to work hands-on to further develop my skill set.
While there are downsides to being a freshman PR major, such as not being able to join PRLab, being a freshman didn’t stop me from getting experience in the field, which reduced my anxieties about pursuing a PR major and, by extension, a career in the field.
Comments