PR is a strategic communication discipline that plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, influencing public opinion, and managing reputations. Over time, PR has evolved into a multifaceted profession with substantial financial and career rewards. With the country’s rapid economic growth, rise in digital media, and changing communication needs, the PR sector has witnessed a transformative shift, providing abundant opportunities for professionals. For leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts at the highest levels, PR is not only a lucrative career choice but also one that offers creative fulfilment, strategic impact, and opportunities for meaningful contribution.
Here are some points that I observe –
- Growing Demand Across Industries
India’s rapidly expanding economy, along with its dynamic media landscape, has led to an increased demand for skilled PR professionals. The country’s corporate sector is evolving, with major domestic companies and multinational corporations (MNCs) seeking PR experts to maintain their brand image, manage communications, and navigate crises. According to a 2019 report by the Indian Public Relations Council (IPRC), PR services are increasingly becoming a strategic necessity, and the industry is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
Public relations has extended its influence across multiple sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, education, and government. PR professionals are required to craft messaging that resonates with a diverse Indian audience while maintaining a global appeal. Whether it’s managing corporate reputation or promoting social issues, PR is integral to organizations’ success across various fields.
- Creativity and Strategic Problem-Solving
Public Relations is often seen as a perfect blend of creativity and strategic problem-solving. From crafting compelling stories to shaping brand narratives, PR professionals in India are constantly challenged to think innovatively. Whether it’s creating a viral campaign or managing sensitive issues, PR requires creative thinking and adaptability.
Indian PR professionals are also tasked with navigating cultural nuances and regional diversity, ensuring campaigns resonate with local audiences. Additionally, PR experts often find themselves in the midst of high-stakes situations, managing crises or influencing public opinion on issues like product recalls, government policies, or corporate scandals. This strategic aspect of the profession appeals to those who enjoy solving complex challenges while making a tangible impact on an organisation’s success.
- Networking and Relationship Building
A key factor that makes PR a lucrative career is the networking and relationship-building aspect. PR professionals interact with various stakeholders, including journalists, media outlets, influencers, government officials, and other corporate leaders. Building and maintaining strong media relationships is vital to success in PR, and it is an asset that grows in value over time.
In India, networking within the media industry is critical, with the rise of social media platforms, influencers, and digital publications. The increasing reliance on influencers, bloggers, and content creators as part of public relations strategies in India has further expanded the scope for networking and collaboration. For PR professionals, these relationships often lead to valuable career opportunities, further solidifying the profession’s allure.
- Diverse Career Paths
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in PR is its diversity. Public relations professionals in India have the flexibility to choose from various career paths, depending on their interests and expertise. Professionals can work in-house for large corporations, join prestigious PR consultancies, or serve as independent consultants.
Moreover, PR offers the option to work in diverse industries, including corporate PR, political communication, social sector PR, and digital marketing. This flexibility allows PR experts to tailor their careers according to their passions, whether they are interested in high-profile corporate brands or working with non-profit organisations on social causes.
- Impactful Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship
As India becomes more socially conscious, companies are increasingly focusing on CSR initiatives, which often require skilled PR professionals to communicate the company’s social impact. This alignment with social responsibility adds a meaningful dimension to the PR profession. Public relations campaigns that highlight sustainable practices, diversity, and inclusion, and address societal issues help shape public perception and contribute to the common good.
For PR professionals, working on campaigns that promote social change or drive awareness about crucial societal issues not only enhances job satisfaction but also elevates their role in the larger social context. Many PR campaigns in India are also aimed at communicating governmental schemes, social welfare programs, or promoting awareness around health and education.
- Digital Transformation and the Rise of Digital PR
The digital age has radically transformed the PR profession. In India, the integration of digital tools and platforms has created a new frontier for PR professionals. Digital PR focuses on managing online reputation, leveraging social media, and executing content marketing strategies, and is a rapidly growing sector.
With India’s internet penetration expanding rapidly, digital PR has become a vital aspect of corporate strategy. PR professionals who specialise in digital marketing, SEO, and social media strategy are in high demand. The growth of influencer marketing in India is a prime example of the digital revolution in PR. Experts in handling online platforms and engaging with digital influencers can earn significantly more, as these skills are in high demand.
As a concluding note, I’d say, Public Relations in India is an exciting and rewarding career that blends creativity, strategy, and meaningful impact. With India’s growing economic influence, increasing demand for skilled professionals, and the rise of digital communication, PR presents unique career opportunities. For those at the top levels of leadership or those with specialsed expertise, PR offers substantial financial rewards, intellectual challenges, and the satisfaction of influencing public opinion on a large scale.
As the Indian market continues to evolve, PR professionals will continue to be in demand, ensuring that the profession remains a lucrative and compelling career choice.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Extending beyond academia; Ankoor has been honoured with the "CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE 2024" award by Passion Vista and recognized as the "MAN OF EXCELLENCE, 2024" by the prestigious Indian Achievers' Award. Additionally, he received the "LEADER 2.0 AWARD, 2023" from adgully and was named a "DIGITAL KAIZEN LEADER by DigiAdCon 2024”, Dr. Dasguupta's contributions to the field of marketing are widely acclaimed, marking him as an inspiring thought leader in his domain. Ankoor is also a member of IMA India’s CMO Forum.
Most recently Dr. Dasguupta has been selected and felicitated with the national level award -Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award 2024 in the category Youth Icon of the Year.
Dr. Dasguupta is a key member of the esteemed International CMO Council and keeps delivering lectures at top Business Schools and also colleges at University of Delhi. As an industry expert, Ankoor has also been a member of the interview panel at MICA for their PGP Group Exercise & Personal Interview PI process for PGDM-C/PGDM selection for two consecutive years. Dr. Dasguupta is also on the Advisory Board of the Marketing Department at ISBR Business School, Bangalore. Recognized by DMA Asia as a marketing Ace, Dr. Dasguupta is a LinkedIn Top Voice, advocate of social impact, driven by kaizen, Ankoor believes in the power of Energy and Energize
Dr. Ankoor is practicing his PCC (Level 2) coaching from the gold standard International Coaching Federation [ICF]. He is a people's person and has worked across functions in senior leadership positions in marketing, advertising, media & communication with a pedigree of 24 years and ongoing exciting journey. Trained from Dale Carnegie in Mentoring to Develop Talent, Ankoor is a marketing practitioner, a coach, a knowledge manager, a team builder, a thought-leader, an avid writer with close to 100 published articles / interviews and is a Thought Leader. Dr.Ankoor wears the hat of a CMO as well. His leisure pursuits are reading, effective listening and percussion. Follow Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta on LinkedIn| https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
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