Editorial: Consultancy and technology

If you’re a UK-based public relations student or young practitioner (or a public relations educator) - welcome to your magazine.

There are three main themes in the current issue:

We take a look at the public relations consultancy sector.

Stephen Waddington describes what it takes to set up in business, and suggests who’s most likely to succeed in 2009 and beyond.

Meanwhile, first year PR student Laura Crimmons was on balance more enthused with her placement with a charity than with an agency/consultancy.

Our next theme is the changing technology landscape. Ben Cotton discusses how the traditional student portfolio of achievement is going digital and online and Emma Long provides some tips for PR students in how to network, online and face to face.

Two new books explore the impact of social media on PR practice: we’ve reviewed them both.

Our perennial topic is PR courses and careers. Ellis Noble loves the glamorous depiction of PR on television, but finds that the real work cannot quite live up to the image. To help untangle your expectations of PR, we’ve written an introductory guide to public relations aimed at new students, and we have a cautionary tale for you.

Despite best intentions and best laid plans, people don’t always make the right choice of course or university. Behind the Spin’s news editor is leaving PR.

Past issues have focused on international public relations, transport PR and public affairs. Please explore the site.

We’re always on the lookout for new writers, new ideas, and new guest editors for the next academic year. Please contact the editor to talk about this.

Richard Bailey (editor@behindthespin.com)
June 2009

Photo shows a virtual PR consultancy: Text 100 island in Second Life by Torley (via Flickr)