PR Passion: Job or Vocation?

Our first contributed post comes from Jamie Brooks, a PR specialist at Buffalo Communications in Washington, D.C. Jamie’s versatile skill set has helped her develop into a five tool player, taking on a multifaceted role at one of the most prestigious boutique sports PR firms in the country.  Jamie is also a newlywed with a baby on the way!

A few weeks ago, we interviewed a candidate for an entry-level position on my team. As I sat across the conference room evaluating this person for the position, I was reminded of myself and many of my fellow graduates a few years prior. Not because this particular candidate had similar prior experiences, but because of the young, vibrant attitude that was behind every word. She was energized, smart and fearless.

Let me take step back for a second. I’m having a baby. This huge, life-changing event has made me incredibly aware of my life decisions and career path. It’s also, in some ways, had me doubting my choice to study and work in PR. Shocking, because I pretty much live and breathe PR/Integrated Communications. I’m enthralled with it, yet I find myself doubting the very core of the industry. And here’s why:

For the past four years, I’ve lived and breathed Sport PR and marketing, specifically golf. For the most part, I’ve loved it. I work for a boutique agency that is the leader within the golf industry. I’ve had the opportunity to handle media relations, trade show coordination, desk side meetings and strategy, while also playing a role in our company’s digital strategy team, training new employees, troubleshooting technical issues and providing general office support. In short, I’ve played a part in every element of our company, down to managing our media library and (at one point) leading the graphic design team. I’ve learned a lot and contributed more to the success of this firm.

But lately, in my pre-baby craziness, I question what I’m doing with my life, asking myself “is this really what I’ve decided to do?”

Any PR professional will tell you about the long hours, crazy priority changes and sometimes overwhelming nature of the work. Particularly with media relations, we dedicate hours of research, pitching and strategy, and walk away with no immediate results that peak a client’s interest. It becomes extremely frustrating and isn’t always rewarding.

But back to the interview.  As I sat there listening, I was reminded of a passion that I carried with me in my own interview almost exactly four years prior; a spark, that while still inside, had slowly started to fade in the mess of life changes. Listening to this candidate talk about the desire to learn more and grow in the field was empowering. I actually walked out of that interview feeling better about myself and my career than I did walking in. In that hour, I was able to answer the question I’ve been posing for a few months.

Is this really what I’ve decided to do?

The answer is yes. I choose to do this work and this job because the passion that fuels every PR/marketing professional — regardless of field of study or industry of practice – is a spark that ignites and empowers their work ethic. A passion for the work they do and companies/brands/products/etc. they represent.