Mackenzie Ruta, APR - April Spotlight 2022
Posted by admincarolyn on Mar. 9, 2022 / APR / Subscribe 0
MacKenzie Ruta, APR
Q: What does APR mean to you?
The APR is the Gold Standard of our industry. It demonstrates expertise in strategic communications as well as a commitment to life-long learning and professional career growth – an important consideration for an evolving industry and media landscape. Earning your APR means you are one of the best and brightest in our field with the knowledge to provide sound communications counsel and results.
Q: Why did you decide to earn your APR?
We all start our careers at the tactical level, or as the APR Study Guide refers to it, communication technicians. We’re writing, pitching and growing relationships with media, but we’re often left out of conversations that identify problems and solutions. As I advanced in my career, I continuously found myself in positions where the value I could provide was in strategic counsel to executive leadership and building successful public relations programs that would advance the objectives of our organization, not just garner media placements. In order to be successful, I needed to shift the root of my practice from tactical to strategic. I wanted to earn my place as strategic advisor and focus on the “why” rather than the “how.”
Q: What benefits has your APR provided you?
Achieving my APR has not only allowed me to differentiate myself from other professionals, it has shaped me into a well-rounded and disciplined practitioner. I know my expertise is contributing meaningful results for my organization and that has allowed me to practice with the highest level of confidence!
Q: What would you like others to know about earning their APR?
Public relations is a competitive field and organizations are seeking practitioners and/or agencies that can bring value and drive their bottom line. Many practitioners and agencies provide the same services, so earning your APR is a way to differentiate yourself as a top-tier professional grounded in the fundamentals of public relations. I am starting to see “APR required” on more and more job postings on Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.
Q: If you could share with future APR candidates one bit of advice about pursuing APR through the APR Ready to Roll program, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other APRs! Our Las Vegas Valley Chapter has an impressive list of Accredited professionals spanning different industries who have a wealth of knowledge to share. I reached out to several while going through the APR process and gained valuable insight, which helped me prepare for my panel presentation and exam.
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