April is APR Month - A Testimonial from Edward Bury, APR

Earning My APR Elevated Me from Tactician to Strategist

Like many who entered public relations decades ago, I had no formal education or training in the profession. I was a journalist – make that a reporter – with a bachelor's degree in English and minor in Journalism. I could write and understood the media industry, which was sufficient since a sizeable portion of tasks assigned to me while working for local agencies centered on media relations. But I later ascertained that there was more to modern public relations, another dimension to communications that was structured around research, strategy, and ethical behavior. Studying for and earning Accreditation in 2004 elevated me from a tactician to a strategist. Furthermore, Accreditation allowed me to serve on national PRSA committees and collaborate with fellow APRs from across the nation. Retaining Accreditation helps me keep pace with the changing world and changing communications profession. Adding APR after my name is one of my most notable accomplishments in life.

Edward M. Bury, APR, MA
Public Information Coordinator
The Urban Transportation Institute at UIC