Public Relations Specialists

Help people or organizations achieve their desired public image. Has the potential to write or choose content for dissemination across a variety of communication channels. The use of social media is something they could excel at.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST CAREERS

Public relations specialists and publicity writers are responsible for informing the public about a company, product, cause, candidate, organisation, or institution. A public relations professional can offer strategic guidance on 'how to get the word out,' as well as how policies may affect consumers, voters, shareholders, fund-raisers, and other people the client needs to contact. 

To do this effectively, the specialist maintains ties with the news media and organisations relevant to a specific field. A public relations professional working for a pharmaceutical corporation, for example, cultivates contacts with doctors and medical publications. 

A news report on the air or in print is frequently initiated by a public relations expert or publicity writer. They plan news conferences, arrange speaking engagements, or organise events, and then distribute press releases to ensure that the news media covers them. 

This is a rapidly expanding profession that places high demands on people who strive for jobs and success. It necessitates imagination, self-assurance, and sound judgement. Working long hours during a crisis or on a deadline is required. 

Some large organisations have their own public relations departments, but more and more opportunities are available through public relations firms, many of which specialise in specific fields, thus experience in that subject can be advantageous. Journalism experience can also help. 

A college graduate with a degree in journalism, public relations, advertising, or another communications-related discipline is an excellent candidate for an entry-level career. While you're still in college, you should look for an internship with a public relations agency.

Employment Projections

Annual projected job openings Subscribe to see

Wages


Average Wages Subscribe to see

Characteristics

Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Level of responsibilities
Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Critical decision making

Activities

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Developing Objectives and Strategies Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Clerical Know More
Communications and Media Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
English Language Know More
Sales and Marketing Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Coordination Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
Time Management Know More
Writing Know More