I’ve been working in PR for a while now (since 1984, indeed! ). Every now and then I pause (in between calls with clients and prospective clients about how we can move their business needle) and think, “Gosh, I should be doing something good for the world.”

Then I realize: I am doing something good for the world.

“What?!?” you cry, “PR is good for the world?”

Yes it is, thanks. And even when not PR on behalf of a world-bettering “entity,” like Médecins Sans Frontières or the Red Cross.

Here’s why:

Although I didn’t make a conscious decision to work in PR (long story, but it was as much happenstance and the alignment of the stars as a choice), as soon as I understood the art, craft and science of PR, I realized that my skills and strengths are suited to PR more than anything else. I found something I’m good at—and something I enjoy every day.

“But how, “you ask, “does your enjoyment make the world a better place?”

Glad you asked.

Everyone I’m close to—and everyone I encounter in passing—gets some insight into what I do. Whether it’s talking with my Irish sister-in-law about American media, discussing the cover of Cosmo with someone in line at the supermarket, or my good Canadian and originally-from-Alabama-but-lives-in-Boston-now friend about a story on Slate, working in PR encourages me to discuss issues that affect all our lives with everyone around me.

That discussion makes the world a better place because there is entirely too little discourse around us today. The more we discuss, the more aware we all become. The more aware we are, the more inclined to make an impact on the world around us.

PR is, by definition, all about communication. Good, clear, on-message communication—whether it’s internal or external—makes companies stronger. Stronger companies are better places to work, ‘cause they make employees’ lives better. Again, my work in PR making the world a better place.

Got it now?

Working in PR also forces me to consume media, and to be critical of that which I see, hear, and digest. I remember the first time I saw a news release I had written get reprinted verbatim in a daily newspaper with a reporter’s byline. I was disappointed, true, but I came to find out that the reporter was new to the beat on deadline and, well, as the daughter of an English teacher I’m not a bad writer (so I gave it to him!).

Through that experience I first learned that some reporters work harder than others, and most are seeking help. When a PR person offers them assistance—facts and information—it benefits everyone who’s reading/viewing their stories.

In PR, I truly have a daily opportunity to share my knowledge, skills, and experience with folks coming up the ranks, and I am surrounded by people—younger and older!—who are ready and willing to share their insights with me. Great thing about an industry focused on communication is that people practice what they “say” on each other!

The last thing is: in PR I use my business acumen and creativity in one full swoop. Creativity makes the world better because without it the world would be, well, boring. Business, well, without that I’d be unable to use my creative chops, right?

Okay, maybe, just maybe, nursing or teaching are more noble, but PR has a place in the grander scheme of things. Spin? Perhaps. But this is my story, you’re reading it, and I’m sticking to it. Share this with a colleague.

Thanks.

Erin Mitchell is happy to be a group director at RLM, where she occasionally makes the office better by breaking into song, dance, and information.