Understand basic business matters, especially strategic planning
Good research abilities, including measuring communication effectiveness
Team member and ability to work independently
Work well under pressure, especially under numerous demanding deadlines
Flexible and adaptive to new environments
Critical-analytical thinker who can soundly assess matters and discuss them
Good marketing and sales background
Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the field
Being Successful in the Field
Obtain part-time, summer job, internship, or volunteer experience within an area of interest. Public relations is a competitive field and related experience is essential to break into the industry.
Develop the ability to work under the pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. Expect to complete administrative tasks in entry-level jobs.
Obtain additional or advanced degrees to enhance knowledge of specific area of interests. For instance, a master's degree in public policy (MPP) will increase employability in government and nonprofit agencies. Likewise, a master’s degree in communication, public relations, or business can be vital to advancing into management positions.
Keep a set of solid examples of your work in a “professional portfolio,” which will be important for you to demonstrate your fitness for an internship and/or your first full-time job.
Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to develop skills. Join on-campus and national professional associations related to public relations, like the PRSSA.
Related Fields
Account Management
Issues Management
Counseling
Employee or Member Relations
Media Relations
Research
Employers
Public relations firms: (Representing various private and public organizationsand institutions, individuals, and events.)
PR departments in large corporations
Strategies
Strengthen verbal communication skills by taking speech communication courses.
Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in business and marketing.
Acquire an internship with a PR firm.
Be prepared to start at the bottom andwork up to higher positions.
Consider a master's degree in PR for higher level positions, especially at the executive level.
Learn to work well with teams.
Name
Reporting
Advertising Sales
Writing and Editing
Employers
Newspapers
Online news providers
Television
Radio
Strategies
Develop the ability to work under the pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Get a summer job or internship with a newspaper, TV or radio station.
Work with college newspaper staff or radio station.
Develop strong computer skills and learn applications related to web page design.
Obtain experience in the area of sales.
Get involved with national and campus professional associations.
Public Affairs
Government Relations
Risk and Crisis Communication
Campaign Marketing and Fundraising
World Affairs and Diplomacy
Media Relations
Employers
Government agencies (local, state,& federal)
Chambers of commerce and tourism councils foreign embassies
Campaign committees, coalitions, initiatives, and networks
Strategies
Secure federal internships in a field of interest.
Develop strong research and writing skills. Get experience with student government or political campaigns.
Consider graduate programs in Public Policy/Affairs.
Develop foreign language skills.
Enhance language skills and cultural understanding through study abroad programs.
Gain experience by volunteering with organizations that provide assistance to various cultural groups.
Business and Industry
Advertising Sales
Sales
Training and Development
Human Resources
Customer Service
Management
Direct Marketing -Direct marketers work with the customer through mail, magazines, radio, or TV to get an immediate response by telephone, mail, or fax.
Employers
Public and private corporations
Consulting firms
Marketing companies
Internet marketers
Sport and athletic organizations
Retail stores
Strategies
Take general business and computer courses. Consider earning a graduate degree in business. Gain experience in organizational development or marketing. Become current with business and industry literature and news. Obtain sales and marketing experience. Work within college sports administration and marketing.
Nonprofit and Education
Public Relations
Fundraising
Promotion
Event Planning
Service Marketing
Advertising Sales
Administration
Community Affairs
Employers
Museums
Charities and foundations (i.e. within the areas of environment, arts, multiculturalinitiatives, religion, and health)
Hospitals and healthcare providers
Colleges and universities
Social service agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Professional associations
Strategies
Get experience through volunteering for non-profit agencies, museums, and charities.
Obtain internships with non-profit organizations.
Gain experience planning events for campus organizations.
Consider additional degrees such as MPH (Master of Public Health) to enhance employability.