How to Become a PR Account Director

When a company is in need of help promoting itself or is surrounded in a controversy, it often hires a public-relations (PR) firm to help maintain and control its image in the media. A PR account director is responsible for directing a team of PR specialists to meet the requirements of the PR firm's clients. You'll need lots of experience in the public-relations industry if you want to become a PR account director. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field
• Master's degree in public relations

Become a PR Account Director

1. Major in a communication-related field at college. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to get an entry-level PR job, and you may need a master's degree in order to become a PR account director. While an undergraduate, you should take classes that build your writing and speaking skills and consider a minor in business or marketing.

2. Intern with a public-relations firm. An internship will give you the skills, references and contacts you need to start working in the PR industry. To become a PR account manager, you'll have to work your way up from basic positions.

3. Develop your speaking and writing skills. In the PR industry, you'll be writing press releases and speaking to members of the media. If you want to become a PR account director, you'll need to be comfortable writing excellent material on short notice.

4. Work for a public-relations firm for several years. Most account director positions will require around 5 to 7 years of experience in the industry. It may be beneficial to work for 2 or 3 years, and then go back to school for a master's degree in public relations.

5. Look for a PR job at a company that offers lots of upward mobility. The ideal employer will promote from within before conducting an outside job search. Be sure you stay up to date on openings within the company.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask for career advice during your internship. Make sure you also get a written recommendation from your intern supervisor, as well as the contact information for other people in the PR industry.
• As you apply for more advanced jobs in the PR industry, be sure that you emphasize specific accomplishments during job interviews. For example, you need to explain to a prospective employer how your skills were able to produce results for the PR firm's clients.