Don't Let Your Passion for Public Relations be Led Astray

Don’t let your passion for public relations be led astray

Public relations professional, Pamela Gutel, APR, has been in the business for more than 15 years. With a wide array of strategic communications experiences that grace her resume, Gutel also teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma in the Public Relations department. Her love of PR is also evident in the list of activities she enjoys outside the work place. Former president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Oklahoma City chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Gutel’s passion for establishing relationships between whatever organization she happens to be working with and its publics is obvious.

When asked what she thinks the top skills of a public relations professional should be, Gutel said: “Be a good writer, take initiative, think strategically and have a good attitude.” She also said being naturally organized and detail oriented pays off in the profession.

Currently, Gutel serves as the Director of Public Affairs for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch. She developed her strategic communications talents over the years by working in various public relations director capacities at companies like Cox Communications and Logix Communications. Before entering the workforce, Gutel earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

In honor of her professional success, Gutel has received numerous civic and professional awards. In 2007, she was named one of the Journal Record’s “Achievers Under 40,” and one of OKCBusiness’ “Forty Under 40.” She has served in volunteer capacities for local organizations such as United Way of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Special Olympics.

Some valuable advice from a PR guru who has worked in the industry for more than a decade – “It is easy in public relations to get distracted by other careers…sales, meeting planning, graphics, HR, etc., because our degrees are so versatile and marketable. Plus, many people don’t understand that public relations is a lot more than working with people. If you really have a passion for public relations, then stay on course,” Gutel said. “The profession needs men and women who believe in what public relations can do for an organization and its many publics.”

It was refreshing having the opportunity to interview a professional who is the product of the same institution I am currently earning a degree from. The success she has enjoyed and the talent she exhibits in her professional and personal endeavors is illustrative of the growing need for sharp public relations professionals in this area. What a treat to have an established master of the trade so close at hand.

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