Choosing a career path is rarely a straightforward journey. For many, it involves a series of twists, turns, and revelations. My path to Public Relations (PR) was no different. Initially, I embarked on an academic journey in Economics and Political Science, unaware that my true passion lay elsewhere.

During my school and college days, I was always the go-to person among friends for resolving conflicts and mediating disagreements. I had a natural interest in understanding human behavior and a knack for diplomacy. While these traits seemed simply part of my personality, I didn’t initially recognise their professional
potential.

In college, I pursued a degree in Economics and Political Science, fields that I found intellectually stimulating. However, as graduation approached, I was faced with the daunting question of what career path to follow.

The Moment of Clarity

A few months back, I was struggling to find my career path and had a hundred different thoughts swirling in my  mind. I doubted whether I truly had skills related to PR. I even took competitive exams and explored other fields, but none of them satisfied me. There was a point in my life where, when people asked about my interests, I genuinely didn’t know. People often say, “Do whatever interests you,” but what if someone is struggling to find their interest?

I started asking my close ones what they thought I was good at. One day, a close friend said, “Pratibha, you always go overboard or do out-of-the-box things for others in maintaining relationships. You try to maintain relationships with people at any cost.” She pointed this out as an area of improvement for me. Initially, I was confused. Is it really bad to maintain good relationships with others? Is negotiating with others is con for me? Is it not good to reach a mutual point without disappointing or arguing with others?

That day, I realised that these skills weren’t flaws. Instead, they were strengths that could be the foundation of a professional career. After researching, I found that PR was the best fit for these skills.

My nature of storytelling, including with a keen interest in understanding human behaviour, drives my desire to join the PR industry. The prospect of using my storytelling abilities to help organizations build their reputations, connect with their audiences, and achieve their goals is incredibly exciting.

Also PR allows me to be at the intersection of various fields, including media, marketing, and communications. This interdisciplinary nature ensures that my career will be filled with diverse experiences and opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals across different sectors. It’s the perfect environment for someone who craves continuous learning and growth.

It was during my time in college that I began to see how my skills could be applied. I was actively involved in various student societies and took on leadership roles where I managed events and maintained public relations. These experiences were eye-opening. They revealed a side of professional life that I had not previously considered: Public Relations.

No one in my family is from this field, being part of middle class family they were understandably apprehensive about my decision to pursue what they saw as an unconventional career. In many cities, Public Relations as a career opportunity is virtually unknown. While people recognise PR in general terms, the idea of using PR skills professionally to achieve meaningful outcomes for society is still foreign.

One of my major goals is to make people more familiar with PR as a profession. Just as I was once unaware of its potential, many others could benefit from understanding how PR can be a fulfilling and impactful career. I want to be a remarkable example and change the perspective that if we are doing something out of the league doesn’t mean it will always be insecure option for us yes it can be a bit more challenging but trust your inner guts go for your line, using one’s everyday skills in a professional way to achieve significant outcomes is incredibly rewarding.

I aspire to empower those who are struggling to find a professional path aligned with their skills. I want them to know that they don’t have to feel stuck in a loop, doing something they cannot excel at. By finding and pursuing a career that leverages their natural abilities, they can achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.

 Pratibha Dadhich, an alumna of Delhi University, has discovered her passion for Public Relations. With a major in Economics and Political Science, combined with her innate talent for networking and relationship-building, she offers significant value to the Class of 2025.