As we were discussing ethics in class last week, it got me thinking of what exactly I would do when faced with decisions that some/I might consider unethical. This thought process led me to thinking that I don't see myself ever being in that type of situation. As naive as it may sound, I can't picture myself taking a job at a company that would put me in a compromising situation. I have spent a long time trying to figure out what I want to do when I graduate and every time I think about it, I know I do not want to settle. I see too many people taking jobs for money and not really enjoying their lives. They are just getting by. For me, this kind of job would be with a big corporation or someplace that forces me to sit behind a desk or in a cubicle all day. So I am looking for something that I love and can get behind whole-heartedly. OK, yes, this is going to be hard to find, especially out of college. However, if this dream-job that I have not yet discovered does come about, I assume that our ethics will align.
But I know I live in a world where we don't always get what we want and we always have to pay the bills, so I'll discuss what my ethical stances might have to be. I am not the "do-anything-for-money" type so I would not start out taking a job that obviously conflicts with my faith and values. For example, I almost have a hard time promoting the CW shows, 90210 and Melrose Place, because I really do not support the message they are sending out. The shows are filled with sex, drugs and alcohol and 90210's target audience is made up of a lot of teenagers. I just don't think its OK to basically make drinking and sex look normal for a 16 year old. Also, I would not take a position with a tobacco company, because I do not want to be apart of feeding a habit that is life-threatening for the buyer and those around him.
After I have taken a job that appears to be ethically sound, and then find out I will be asked to do something that conflicts with my set of values, that will be the hardest decision. The more involved you get in something, the harder it is to turn away from it. I can only hope that I will be able to stand up for what I know is right, even at the risk of being fired. I don't want to get stepped on and I really think I would have to do what I know is ethically sound. Look out real world, I'm gonna set you straight!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Where I Fit in the PR Realm
As I read through Dave Fleet's post about the key attributes that PR practitioners should possess, I think that I am on my way to becoming a good professional. I don't think I am quite up to date on all the new media that is out but there is always time to learn.
As for the traditional skills, I am fairly comfortable with my writing. I still think I need to be more familiar with AP style, but I think that comes with time. I think my communication skills are progressing very well. I am very comfortable talking to people and I think I've come a long way from where I was. Of course, I do have some room for improvement there. As I have worked with different people on different practicums and internships, I have learned that attention to detail is one of the most important things we can do. There is nothing more embarrassing than publishing false information. I think I have a good work ethic; I would never leave a job undone or do anything not to the best of my ability. I have a strong desire for people to be pleased with my work and I do not want to let anyone down that has placed their trust in me. I think I still need to work on my media relations and forming contacts and relationships that might get me a better "in" for my news.
As for the new skills and attributes that are fast developing, I am just entering this realm, but excited to see where it takes me. Obviously, I have begun blogging and it has definitely been a new experience. Twitter is also new but I am seeing all that it has to offer and benefits it can hold for companies. Facebook is a tried and true friend of mine and I am glad to see that we can use this as such an effective tool in PR as well. I have a lot to learn in the areas of RSS reading, coding, and blogger relations. I am excited to learn how to use all this tools that seem to be taking over the PR practitioner!
As for the traditional skills, I am fairly comfortable with my writing. I still think I need to be more familiar with AP style, but I think that comes with time. I think my communication skills are progressing very well. I am very comfortable talking to people and I think I've come a long way from where I was. Of course, I do have some room for improvement there. As I have worked with different people on different practicums and internships, I have learned that attention to detail is one of the most important things we can do. There is nothing more embarrassing than publishing false information. I think I have a good work ethic; I would never leave a job undone or do anything not to the best of my ability. I have a strong desire for people to be pleased with my work and I do not want to let anyone down that has placed their trust in me. I think I still need to work on my media relations and forming contacts and relationships that might get me a better "in" for my news.
As for the new skills and attributes that are fast developing, I am just entering this realm, but excited to see where it takes me. Obviously, I have begun blogging and it has definitely been a new experience. Twitter is also new but I am seeing all that it has to offer and benefits it can hold for companies. Facebook is a tried and true friend of mine and I am glad to see that we can use this as such an effective tool in PR as well. I have a lot to learn in the areas of RSS reading, coding, and blogger relations. I am excited to learn how to use all this tools that seem to be taking over the PR practitioner!
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