Is there a good time to earn your APR?
Posted on Feb. 1, 2022 / Professional Development / Subscribe 0
Is there a good time to start the process of earning your accreditation in public relations? Yes.
Is there a wrong time? Yes. Maybe.
When looking at a long-term project or commitment, such as pursuing an advanced degree or accepting that volunteer leadership position, it’s easy to say, “It’s just not the right time.”
It may be that you value the opportunity or know the importance of continuing your education. Still, it’s easy to postpone that decision to when you are less busy, less committed or more stable in your personal or professional life. And during a time when mental and physical health is in the spotlight, that could be the best decision you make.
But for those who are unsure if we have the time and energy, sometimes you have to rely on your commitment and APR support group.
Earning your APR during a pandemic
I became interested in earning my APR in 2019 and committed myself to the process in April 2020, just as the pandemic upended everything. And I work in healthcare.
Was it a good time to earn my APR? For me, yes, because I committed myself to the process, built a team of support and mentors, and developed a timeline for my progress. I also didn’t want to delay because I was worried that if I didn’t do it then, I might never do it.
For others, it may not be the best time.
When is it not a good time to earn your APR?
The Universal Accreditation Board, the governing body over the accreditation program, recommends at least five years of public relations experience before beginning the APR process. If you are in the early stages of your public relations career or are a new graduate, it may not be the right time to earn your APR.
The process typically lasts one year. If you have other significant commitments planned during the next 12 months that may delay or derail your accreditation, talk to your local APR chair about if it’s best to postpone. It may be that you begin to prepare during that time and then officially apply once you are ready.
Once you apply, you have one year to complete the panel presentation and exam. If you’ve prepared your application, presentation and exam prep, the process will be less stressful and likely take less than a year.
If the idea of taking on one more commitment leaves you feeling depleted and overwhelmed, it may be best to postpone. Many of us have more responsibilities at work due to the effects of the pandemic, suffering burnout, struggling with mental health issues, or dealing with long-term family health issues. Don’t set yourself up for failure if you feel this isn’t the right time to begin your APR.
If you still want to start the accreditation process, talk to your local APR chair, who can help build a support system for you, including mentors, study resources and timeline.
Plan for the unexpected
Of course, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that plans can always change. Don’t let the possibility of changing jobs, moving, and other life plans delay your desire to earn your APR. Many people, including myself, were able to complete their APR with the possibility of life changes ahead. If anything, it gave me the motivation to finish more quickly.
When is a good time to earn your APR?
- After you’ve completed five years of public relations experience
- When you’re marketing yourself for a new job, promotion or clients
- When you’re ready to take the next step in your public relations practice
PRSA Memphis is committed to helping you earn your accreditation in public relations. We can pair you with mentors, provide study resources, help with presentation prep and set you up for success from application to exam.
If you’re considering beginning the process, contact [email protected] and let us know, “It’s time I earned my APR.”
Elizabeth Whittington, MBA, APR, is the PRSA Memphis 2022 APR Chair. She is the director of executive communications for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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