The Importance of Joining IABC or CPRS in your PR Career
When entering a profession such as Public Relations, it is
important to take advantage of every resource at your reach. Fortunately in PR, there are many resources
at reach; two in particular are International Association of Business
Communicators commonly known as IABC and the Canadian Public Relations Society
that is shortened to CPRS.
Each organization holds its own benefits for young
professionals or recent graduates seeking a career in Public Relations. They cater to students in many ways, which can
benefit the start of you career as well as helping you throughout the length of
your career.
The Difference Between IABC and CPRS
The IABS is a network of business professionals with expands
globally around the world in 70 countries. Whose purpose is to improve
networking, communication and career growth and development. This organization includes not only PR
professionals, but expands to Marketers, Advertisers and other positions in the
business profession. The organization
holds conferences and events all throughout the world as well in its own local
chapters.
CPRS is similar to IABC, however the organization
specifically caters to only Public Relations professionals, and is limited to
professionals in Canada. The
organization connects PR professionals on a National level, compared to the
IABC who communicates globally. The
organization consists of 14 member societies all throughout major cities in the
country. The purpose of the organization
is to advance the overall profession of Public Relations by regulating the
profession to protect and benefit the public’s interest. The organization holds many networking and
professional development events that are available for its members.
Each organization has an annually fee that it requires its
members to subscribe too. However, both
societies offer a subsidised fee for students in the profession.
Networking
There are many benefits of joining an organization such as
IABC and CPRS, one of the most important and effective benefits of these
organizations are the networking opportunities it provides. Networking is particularly important in the
beginning of your career. In public
relations, many positions are received through recommendations and references
before they are even posted as vacant positions. This networking can lead to a referral or
even a reference for a position that could be vacant. Networking can also expose you to many
learning opportunities. As young
professionals who lack experience and knowledge in the PR field, speaking with
experienced professionals can provide us with insight in the profession, which
could provide us with the tools and knowledge that may be required to enter the
field such as tips for seeking employment in the field. Many professionals keep in touch with those
they network with in the beginning of their career. It is common for many professionals in the
field to have mentors, which can be obtained through networking at the events
held by the organizations.
Professional Development
IABC and CPRS offer many opportunities for young
professionals to gain experience and knowledge through networking events and
workshops they offer. An example of one
being the Student Networking event held by CPRS where experienced professionals
would preach to PR students the importance of networking in the field and tips
as to how to network effectively.
Student positions and volunteer positions are available within the
organizations such as student representative positions and the opportunities to
volunteer at the events they hold. The
volunteer positions that are offered to young professionals stand out on their
resumes when applying for jobs, for both organizations are highly respected in
the PR field.
After gaining experience in the field and becoming a
respected professional, IABC and CPRS still hold value to your career. Both societies offer professional development
events and workshops for their members, which allow them to refresh their
skills and keep up with current and developing trends in the field.
For more information on the organizations you can visit the
their websites or watch these two videos!
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