APR and the Path to Becoming More
Posted on Apr. 26, 2024 / Professional Development, Membership / Subscribe 0
Written by: CDR Matt Knight, APR+M (PRSA Memphis APR Chair)
As an accredited PR practitioner, one of the questions that inevitably comes up when I am discussing Accreditation in Public Relations (APR or APR+M for military communicators) is what value the accreditation really brings to the practitioner and his or her organization.
I’ve thought long and hard about how to answer this because truthfully, most organizations don’t know what the three letters after my name stand for. However, in looking back at the nearly 10 years since I earned my accreditation, it has become obvious that while they may not recognize the three letters, they have recognized its effects as demonstrated by my yearly evaluations, continued promotions and
repeated invites to have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
I’ve realized that it’s less about a few letters after my name and more about the process to attain them. Jim Rohn, renowned business philosopher explains it best stating “If you want to have more, you have to become more… If you grow, your money will grow; your relationships, your health, your business and every external effect will mirror that growth in equal correlation.”
Accreditation in Public Relations is the best path for a PR practitioner to become more. If you are an up-and-coming practitioner who is looking for a way to achieve more, to advance faster, and to become one of the best, APR is where you should start.
I can already hear the questions forming in my readers’ minds so let me cut to the chase. No degree, certification or accreditation will ever guarantee success. Success comes from the individual. But I will answer your questions summarizing countless testimonials from accredited PR pros.
Will attaining my APR give me a seat at the table? The process to achieve your accreditation will transform you into the type of practitioner who is offered a seat at the table.
Will attaining my APR result in a higher salary? The increased knowledge, skills and abilities you will develop in the process of attaining your APR will result in the type of confidence and results that companies pay dearly for.
Will attaining my APR result in faster advancement? Your increased knowledge of the PR profession, insightful models, informative theories and useful methodologies will give you the tools to outperform any member of your team. In nearly every industry, top performance correlates with faster and more frequent promotions.
If you are ready to start the process to become more, I highly recommend you reach out to your local PRSA chapter Accreditation Chair and review the PRSA APR page for detailed information on the process and resources. The path to personal improvement and becoming more is just a call and/or click away.
Matt Knight, APR+M, is a Cmdr. In the U.S. Navy and the PRSA Memphis 2024 APR Chair. He is currently the community manager for the U.S. Navy’s Public Affairs Officer community.
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