WHAT TO DO

The only way I see to fix this problem of underrepresentation is to incorporate some type of program strictly for ethnic practitioners that will help correct what "it" is that might be missing and is causing them to be looked over.

Students and other potential PR employees are unaware of the benefits of joining the growing field of Public Relations. Schools aren’t doing a good job of introducing students to the field--- or adequately preparing them to compete for jobs in the PR workforce, universities like University of Westminster on the other hand, take this engagement very seriously – providing its students with countless opportunities to gain an internship during their respective programmes.

More so, PR employers could help by making an effort to come on campus and introduce students to the field who may not have known about the career opportunities. We know Edelman for instance, through recruitment fairs has experienced an increase in the number of ‘ethnic’ students that applied for their prestigious internship program both in the UK and the US.

Some other ideas include -

1) Industry professionals and HR staff must take action if we are going to effect meaningful change
2) The industry may want to look to women-owned firms for leadership in this important area
3) Organisations need to work to alleviate the double standards and racism practitioners feel they face
4) Provide diversity and management training for staff and managers
5) Actively recruit at universities with high minority enrolment and at conferences and job fairs that target minorities
6) Hire more people of colour to do outreach. focus on building minority middle & upper management ranks with key positions, not just entry level trainee jobs with no support
7) Advertise in multicultural magazines and media