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How to Build a Public Relations Career

How to Build a Public Relations Career
Member
By RockOnRockL
eHow Community Member
(5 Ratings)

If you have a passion for spotting trends and work well under tight deadlines, a career in public relations might be right for you. Though a competitive industry, it is not impossible to start your vocation within this field if you know how and where to look. The below tips will lead the way.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Computer with Internet Access
  1. Step 1

    Know your lingo. An “in-house” public relations agency is one in which a company employs its own internal team who represent only that brand. An outside agency represents more than one brand at a time and charges each a pre-determined fee for their services. As such, employees of the latter are not directly affiliated with the brand.

  2. Step 2

    Choose an area that interests you. While in-house agencies are driven by the company’s array of products, outside agencies are sub-categorized by specialty such as fashion and beauty, gaming and electronics or interior design and tabletop items. Defining an area you want to explore will fast-track your career.

  3. Step 3

    Update your resume. Highlight your people skills, your ability to work a crowd and your comfort with long hours.

  4. Step 4

    Intern at a public relations agency. Use online databases to find an agency in your area that fits your interests. Start with PR Week Jobs (http://www.prweekjobs.com/) and Craigslist (www.craigslist.com).

  5. Step 5

    Learn everything you can from the internship. Take notes. Ask questions. Offer to help with projects. Show that you are confident in your work without pretension.

  6. Step 6

    Identify a seasoned role model at your agency. Once you form a professional relationship, share your career goals with this person and seek advice on advancement

  7. Step 7

    Transition into an entry level position either at your current agency or a different one.

  8. Step 8

    Stay on top of industry news by joining professional groups, reading trade publications and attending seminars. Your advancement is only limited by your desire.

Tips & Warnings
  • You will make mistakes. Everyone does. Learn from them and don’t dwell.
  • It is important to feel confident in the products you represent. If you don’t believe in their worth, your target customers won’t, either.
  • There is a lot of turnover in the public relations industry. Spend at least two years at an agency before moving on.

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