Halfway through my time at Temple, I learned about the public relations department and that I could declare it as my major. Up until then, I assumed PR was a fancy way of saying “free gifts.” Unbeknownst to me, this assumption would only prove my own close mindedness. 

One factor I did not consider when thinking of all the possible PR industries I would want to be in, was CSR, sustainability, and advocacy. Meeting with organizations like Alice PR, Thinkhouse, and even William Fry/AIB, truly showed me how public relations is used in different industries. 

Alice PR made it clear that they care deeply about authenticity. More importantly, PR professionals have a responsibility to uphold the trust given by their consumers and stakeholders. Niamh Breathnach stressed how important it is to elevate authentic voices, especially when representing underrepresented communities. 

Before this trip, I thought agency work meant fast-paced, commercial projects. Alice PR showed me that there are agencies focused entirely on advocacy, and that is where I see myself. This realm of PR felt almost new to me, even though I knew advocacy was part of connecting audiences with a brand’s vision and message. It dawned upon me that I simply needed to be in a space to learn more about how CEOs and executives were prioritizing storytelling and their clients.

Another eye-opening organization was Thinkhouse. Visiting Thinkhouse completely changed the way I think about my future in public relations. From the second we walked in, it was obvious that this agency does things differently. Thinkhouse also left a strong impression on me with their strong commitment to sustainability and ethical communication. 

Their team spoke openly about the kind of brands they refuse to work with and the standards they hold their partners to. It made me realize I want to work somewhere that actually uses PR to connect with people, make real changes, and not make a quick profit. The moment we were introduced to “Cards for Humanity,” I immediately wanted to get hands on with the activity. The prompts on the cards were so thought-provoking, relatable, and spoke to me as a Gen Z’er. 

Both Alice PR and Thinkhouse reminded me that PR has the impact to shape work culture in thoughtful ways. There will always be room in this industry for sustainable, community-based work, when there are thoughtful leaders behind every course of action. When the internal environment is aligned with one another, the clients, stakeholders, and consumers always follow suit.

• Kelly Chhuor