Friday 4 January 2008

THE EVIDENCE IS EVERYWHERE INCLUDING CLASSROOMS

On the first day of my postgraduate degree, I was overwhelmed by the number of ethnic minorities on the course.

The class is testimony that the current PR industry does not reflect the true state of the profession. The class is a combine of many ethnic background and origins – Asians, Indians, Africans and Americans. Even more worrying is the fact that the few minorities tell me they likely won’t be joining the profession.

The main objection to practising in this field lies in the 'perceived' low-employment rate. Many will be moving back to their respective countries to pursue jobs sometimes unrelated to their training in public relations.

My fellow classmates embody attributes we all hope are being espoused at the training grounds for PR’s next generation – awareness, focus, and positive direction. So I ask the question, why aren’t the minorities in PR’s classrooms reflected in the UK industry? Why are ethnic students convinced their isn't a job for them in the UK? How can the public relations profession lead, or even remain relevant, if its practitioners do not adequately represent a ethnic society that is a significant % in the U.K?

I’d like to hear from you.

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