This is the fifth in a series of seven blog posts reproduced from a Baylor University PR class assignment by student Andrea Aguirre.
So what makes a good PR agent? Mrs. Anderson describes that a good PR agent must be a good writer, must be motivated, must have a love for communication and must be someone who is not afraid to present ideas. Also, being organized as well as having the capability to multi-task numerous projects at the same time is beneficial. When asked how the best way to get into a public relations position would be, Mrs. Anderson advised that it would be valuable experience to work in a news room via the local news station or in a magazine or newspaper environment. Working with either of these establishments will help gain a better perspective of the kind of research and information that is needed to run a successful story. In order to do well in editorial PR, you need to enjoy reading the news and knowing what is going on in the world around you. Another tip I was given is that in regards to editorial coverage, it is important from a PR agent to have at least five reporters that they can rely on rather than pulling out twenty reporters from a database. I asked how competitive it really is to secure reporters for a story and Mrs. Anderson said she did not feel any pressure of competition from other PR companies. The bigger concern would be that the reporter is not interested in the story or pitch as opposed to whether the reporter is interested in other PR companies.