Diversity

As the country sees individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences make inroads in areas of business and government, it is important for the public relations industry to reflect the society we live in. Ethnic and gender diversity within the ranks of public relations firms is a vital component in building a stronger, more competitive business. In the 2008 PRWeek/Hill & Knowlton Diversity Survey, 68% of respondents feel their company’s senior management is committed to a more diverse workforce.

As the industry's trade association, the Council of Public Relations Firms has led efforts in the area of diversity, including sponsoring career fairs for the historically black colleges and participating in the LAGRANT Foundation's internship placement program and career development workshops.

PR Coalition
Industry leaders and educators met at the Public Relations Coalition Summit to endorse ideas and action models on improving diversity in the industry. The meeting resulted in a white paper that outlines recommendations and strategies that all members can draw upon to establish a more diversified public relations workforce.  

LAGRANT FOUNDATION
The Council has had a long standing relationship with the LAGRANT FOUNDATION in its mission to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the public relations industry. By providing scholarships, career development workshops and internships to African American, Asian, American Indian/Native American and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students, LAGRANT offers the necessary resources and tools to pursue a career in public relations.  
           
  • Internship Placement Program: Every year the Council works with THE LAGRANT FOUNDATION to match as many students with Council member internships as possible.
  • On September 28th 2007, the Council of Public Relations Firms partnered with LAGRANT and Deloitte Services to host a career development workshop, where students received insightful advice from top public relations professionals.
 
Howard University
The Council is the only trade association to have a co-hosted career fair with Howard University’s School of Communications. Every spring, students have the opportunity to interview one-on-one with recruiters from member firms. The Council also participates in the School of Communications’ fall job fair where member firms participate on a panel to give students career advice and tips.

The 2009 Council/Howard University Career Fair will be held on March 27, at Howard University. Please contact the Council at (877) 773-4767 if you are interested in participating.


  
See what students and members had to say.
 

 Diversity in Public Relations and Advertising Career Day

As a partner in the 2008 Diversity in Public Relations and Advertising Career Day, the Council met with multicultural job candidates and discussed the benefits of a career in the public relations agency business.

The Council's work in the area of diversity within the public relations industry is ongoing. The Council is working closely with its members to create programs that help meet the needs of the industry and career professionals.

 

 

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