Importance of Social Media in Post Secondary PR Programs

Over the last 4-5 years, as we all know, social media has been dominating the PR industry. Whether it be from blogs, pod casts, forums, or agencies and corporations bringing a more online approach to how they brand their clients. It is time for college PR programs to embrace social media in the same way.

I am now in my third and final year of Humber College's Public Relations Diploma Program and aside from a guest speaker, a social media release, and a few PR websites written on the chalk board we have not discussed social media.

Now I understand that it costs money to implement new programs, but all of the courses being taught, whether it be marketing PR, writing lab, or international communications to name a few, can discuss the relevance of social media within these realms. This next generation of PR practitioners need to understand an employer's expectations when it comes to social media.

I try and keep myself as in tune as possible with what's out there. It's those running post secondary PR programs that can no longer keep their heads in the sand. It's time for us to genuinely meet the expectations of industry employers.