Betsy Plank's career spanned more than 60 years in the public relations industry. This infographic shows the lessons she learned if she was to do it all over again. Plank, commonly referred to as the first lady of public relations, was a pioneer for public relations education. She served as the first female president of the Public Relations Society of America in 1973. Her legacy lives on through the Plank Center's research and work in advancing the profession and public relations education. This piece is from Betsy's archives, which are housed at the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.

1. Lessons Learned
What lessons learned would have
currency if I were starting all over
again today? Among the many I
remember and value...
“
” Ethics & In tegri ty
Begin now -
upperclassmen to younger students,
new alumni to classrooms & interns.
are not simply a
professional “code.” They are one’s
here-and-now character and compass.
Men tor
of clients & employers. Never replace
face-to-face encounters.
hones leadership skills,
develops new contacts & insights and
helps solve community problems.
Newspapers & periodicals, of
course. But also research, history,
contemporary & classical literature.
They provide unique
opportunities to learn and develop
leadership skills and make unique
contributions to the profession’s progress
and promise.
is populated by
many of the brightest, most creative,
caring “can-do” men & women.
Traveling in that spirited company is a
great adventure!
By Betsy Plank, first lady of public
relations, who dedicated more than
60 years to the PR relations industry.
Compu ter Miracles
Read & Reread
Public Relations
Know the Business
Communi ty Service
Profession al Organizations