MBA vs. APR

Although I am just beginning my PR career, I have already begun thinking about continuing my education with an MBA or earning an APR in the future. A group of specialists discussed the benefits of the two options in a seminar I attended at RealWorld.

I definitely think that an MBA is very beneficial when working in a corporate PR setting. When I interned with NCR Corporation it was made very clear to me that an MBA was the way to go in order to advance your career there. They were however, more focused on the business-centric marketing aspect of communications. I wonder how relevant the MBA is in an agency setting. And since I am not sure where my career path will lead me, is it a good idea for me to pursue an MBA in the future?

An APR is an accreditation in public relations, but due to the fact that it is voluntary and not well-known outside of the PR field, its importance is debated. I had never heard of an APR after a full year in the Grady College. My first exposure to the term came from my communications professor, Dr. Sweetster who is an APR. I think that an accreditation is PR is important, but until it becomes mandatory or recognized as a distinction, I am not sure how beneficial it will be to my advancement it the field. PR Maven Julie Rusciolelli discusses the APR in her blog from the viewpoint of a PR firm president.