I'm always amazed at the number and diversity of applications of a degree in PR!
I just returned from a week's vacation with my family in Bonita Springs, Florida. We stayed in a housing community that offered daily housekeeping and concierge services. It was basically like staying in a hotel, except it was a house we had all to ourselves!
Our concierge was named Kelly, and she was great! She was extremely personable and would stop in everyday to help us with anything we needed, give us advice on places to go and things to see, help us choose restaurants for dinner, let us know where to go for the best shopping, etc.
I got to talking to her, and was not surprised to find that she had studied communications and PR in college. She explained that she is responsible for seven residences and their respective guests. She is in charge of the upkeep of all of the residences, and is also responsible for making sure all of the guests have what they need and are well taken-care-of during their stays. The company that owns the houses is based in Denver, Colorado and also owns houses all over the nation. Because she is solely in charge of managing the homes in Bonita Springs, Kelly is basically the face of the company to all of the guests staying in the Bonita Springs homes. Her actions and the actions of those she oversees are critical to the company for continued - and growing - success.
Kelly explained to me that relationships play an extremely important role in her job. Her relationships with the various cleaning companies, pool service companies, landscapers, etc. all affect her success in providing great service to her guests and representing the company well. Relationships are also critical to the external services she offers her guests; while staying in the home, we were granted access to an LA Fitness facility and also membership to a private beach club. Most health clubs and beach clubs require year-long memberships, but Kelly was able to develop relationships with the general managers of both and was able to work out temporary memberships for the guests that stay in the homes she manages.
Before this trip, I never even knew a job like Kelly's existed. Now that I know it is out there, I'd love to look into positions like hers. Using skills like organization, planning ahead, time management, relationship-building and working closely with people, I feel that Kelly's job is another of the hundreds of careers that would be perfect for someone with a background in PR. While I'd be very interested in pursuing a job like Kelly's in my future, my experience at this resort also reminded me of the limitless opportunities open to people with backgrounds in the PR industry.
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