APRil is APR Month!

For many professions, some form of graduate education is key to getting ahead. When you're in college studying public relations, however, professors really drill into your head that experience is what counts. Looking back, I think the professors were absolutely right, experience makes all the difference in public relations, particularly at an agency like GroundFloor Media where we don't specialize in any one area but instead apply our skills across the spectrum for our clients.

That said, public relations professionals can benefit from brushing up on their skills and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offers the perfect opportunity through a program called APR. APR is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals. APRs demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice by advancing through a readiness review process (an in-person "interview" of sorts) and then taking a computer-based APR examination that tests your knowledge of the profession, it's history, and various tactics and strategies. PRSA has cleverly dubbed April as APR month...

I received my APR several years ago and I'm so glad that I went through the process! It felt like I was reaffirming the solid foundation of my college education, not to mention that I've met great people along the way and now feel more connected to the public relations profession than ever. If you live in Colorado and have an interest in pursuing your APR, contact me for more information about an APR event being held on Tuesday, April 21 at Morton's The Steakhouse in downtown Denver. We're going to bring together current and aspiring APRs to discuss the APR process and next steps for those who are ready to embark on this exciting adventure!

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, APR is definitely a path to consider as you further your career in public relations. Hope to see you on Tuesday!