Communication and Curiosity: My Path to Public Relations by Chaarutha Arabind
In today’s fast-paced world, where influence often precedes information, a career in communications feels like the perfect path for those who value both impact and authenticity.
In a world driven by perception, those who control the narrative often shape the outcome. That idea has stayed with me, not as a quote I happened to read as a young adult, but as a quiet truth I’ve observed in every space I’ve entered since. It made me realise that communication, when paired with connection, holds power and is capable of creating meaningful impact.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by books. Reading gave me perspective, while writing helped me make sense of the world as I saw it. I was curious about everything, but what consistently held my attention was human behaviour. Over time, I realised that my interest in communication wasn’t just about expression, but about understanding the deeper reasons behind how people think, feel, and act. This led me to fall in love with psychology alongside communication and that changed the way I saw the world and myself.
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As I grew older, I found myself drawn to spaces where communication played a key role. I prioritised learning to connect with people easily and worked on refining how I listened, responded, and built rapport. I realised that empathy wasn’t just a personal trait but a professional tool. Whether in one-on-one conversations or when communicating with a larger public, my ability to understand emotion and context became one of my core strengths. When it was time to choose a degree, I gravitated toward one that combined my interest in psychology with my strength in communication.
Empathy, I discovered, is not just an emotion—it’s a strategy. It allows us to listen with intent, speak with understanding, and craft narratives that truly resonate. In my journey toward a career in communications, this insight became foundational. I started actively honing the skill of reading people, understanding group dynamics, and translating those observations into effective messaging. The more I practiced, the clearer it became that empathy is the backbone of meaningful and successful communication.
Later, I did an internship in public relations because it brought together everything I enjoyed and had a natural inclination for including language, strategy, people, and behaviour. I also handled PR and communications for university clubs which gave me hands-on experience with real audiences. The moments spent working on creative strategies were energising. They confirmed that this was more than just an interest. It was a space I wanted to grow in and eventually be the best in.
What truly cemented this field as the right path for me was the realisation that it also aligns with my ideology to always keep learning new things. I enjoy that this is a field that is always evolving. Whether it’s the shifting mindsets or innovations in technology, there’s always something new to master. That constant movement gives me both satisfaction and keeps me challenged.
It’s also important to note how critical public relations is to the world. In a world where trust is hard earned and attention is hard to keep, PR helps manage reputation, build credibility, and foster relationships, thus making it important for both the brand and its consumer base. With every passing day, I learn more about the industry and I see public relations not just as a career but as a space that offers an opportunity to combine creativity with meaningful connections and strategy with empathy.
Chaarutha, a passionate communicator from Kochi, is driven by her belief that communication shapes how the world connects, understands, and evolves. She completed her BA in Communication and Media, Psychology in 2025 from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, a place where her love for storytelling and human behaviour took deeper root. Chaarutha is all set to pursue her post-graduate studies in strategic communication at SCoRe – the School of Communication & Reputation, where she aims to build a career in corporate communications and reputation management. Her decision to join SCoRe was guided by the institute’s industry-led curriculum, hands-on mentorship, and a community that values purpose-driven communication.
A communication career is more than just about talking well. It’s about listening, analysing, creating, and connecting with impact.
Although many students enter this field from journalism or media studies, there are multiple paths. Some come from psychology, literature, or marketing. This diversity strengthens the field.
You must start with the basics. Hence, a bachelor’s degree in mass communication or a related subject is usually the first step. But that’s not all. Internships, workshops, and volunteering give real-world insight and build your skills from day one.
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To excel in a communication career, you need more than academic qualifications. You need the right mindset.
Strong writing and speaking skills are a given. But adaptability, emotional intelligence, and creative thinking are equally important. Moreover, being curious and culturally aware helps you understand your audience better.
Therefore, working on active listening and empathy is key. These traits will help you design messages that resonate, not just inform. And remember, collaboration is crucial. You’ll often work with designers, marketers, or even psychologists.
There are many ways to grow. But only if you actively seek them.
Internships are the best place to start. Although unpaid internships may seem less rewarding, the learning is often invaluable. Workshops, seminars, and student-run clubs also help you explore different niches within communication.
Freelance projects, social media campaigns, or content creation jobs can boost your portfolio. Moreover, networking with alumni and industry professionals opens doors you might not even know existed.
Hence, stay open to new platforms and formats—from podcasts to influencer collaborations. The communication field is fast-moving, and staying updated gives you a real edge.
The tools we use today may become outdated tomorrow. Therefore, if you want to stay relevant, you must keep learning.
New technology like AI and automation is changing how people receive and process information. This shift makes upskilling essential. Moreover, communication trends are shaped by culture, politics, and society.
Hence, courses in digital marketing, analytics, and visual storytelling can keep your skills sharp. Reading widely and reflecting regularly helps too. Although change can feel overwhelming, it also brings fresh energy to your work.
And importantly, learning doesn’t have to be formal. Even listening to industry podcasts or following thought leaders can shape your thinking.
Therefore, choose a course that suits your interests—whether it’s corporate communication, media strategy, or digital content. And remember, the institute’s alumni network and industry tie-ups can also shape your career path.