Traditionally, a distinctive divide existed between the marketing and public relations (PR) professions. Marketing was always thought to be about promoting a product, and PR about maintaining reputation. But neither profession could escape each other- both were intertwined and crossed paths one way or the other.
Over the years, the prominence of digital media technologies, and the use of social media to enforce digital communication strategies has been rising exponentially. As more companies move their communication to social media, the lines between marketing and PR are not as clear cut as it once used to be.
Social media sits comfortably with both departments, leaving marketing and PR professionals no choice but to incorporate skills from both spheres and carry out shared activities. Both are inevitable, and equally important aspects to the business in their own right- both professions facilitate the overall goals and objectives of a business. They cannot and should not replace each other completely.
But what is it like to pursue a career in either of these fields? Because the lines between marketing and PR have become so blur, it is crucial to understand both the similarities and differences between the professions, determine where you and your interests fit in, and make an informed decision before committing to a course.