Dan Edelman's Advice to Students

April 23, 2013/4:33 PM

Posted by Sarah Curnow

DePaul Undergraduate

Living in Chicago as an aspiring public relations professional seems like the utopia for a PR wannabe. However, how does one rise above the rest? How do students stick out, when they are all striving for a similar future? 

Well, the master of public relations, Dan Edelman, has offered advice to these aspiring PR practitioners. On page 13 of the book, “Edelman and the Rise of Public Relations” reads a list of tips from Dan Edelman himself. 

Most of the advice Dan offered seems so simplistic and elementary. Yet, when you take a minute to think about it, you realize that the tips he offers are more abstract than they appear. For instance, one piece of advice Dan gave is, "Be creative. Strive for the big idea. Be realistic, but dare to be different." 

As students, most of us are part taking in internships and trying to make our mark in the industry. We are all very ambitious, but how do we make sure that we are not acting overly ambitious? I'm sure there aren't many things worse for a PR pro than an overly involved, obnoxiously eager intern.

To balance our ambition with modesty and curiosity, Dan's advice should be noted. By telling us to be creative, he is saying to act and think differently than the person next to you. Don't try to get the answer first, try to do it a different way. When Dan stated, "Be realistic, but dare to be different." I think he is igniting motivational drive in aspiring PR pros, letting us know to keep within our bounds, but don't hesitate to peek over them once in a while. 

Dan's advice is simple and can be interpreted in various ways. I believe that all aspiring PR professionals should read Dan Edelman's advice on page 13 and follow it as you interpret it.