How to Choose a Career in Public Relations

Public relations involves advertising, promoting, pricing and product development. These specialists coordinate market research, create marketing strategy and consider product pricing and promotion. In a small firm, a public relations specialist will have the responsibility for all advertising, promoting, marketing, sales and public relations. For large firms, they will hire different types of public relation specialists. Choosing a career in public relations takes some planning and consideration.

Instructions

1. Gain a business education from a community college, junior college or university. Public relations employers prefer employees with a bachelor's or master's degree in advertising, communications, journalism or public relations with a focus on marketing.

2. Research the variety of careers in public relations including publicists, media specialists, analysts, communication specialists, public relations specialists and marketing executives. The Public Relations Professional Career Guide or your local library offers details about each specialty.

3. Find a job mentor through the Public Relations Society of America website. You will have to be a member to access these services. A job mentor can guide you in the transition of the public relations field.

4. Visit various public relations firms. Observe the duties of each of the PR specialists. It may help you decide which career to choose.

5. Speak to different public relations specialists. Ask them what their job entails on a day-to-day process. Also, see what specialized training is necessary for their line of work.

6. Seek an internship with a public relations company. This will help you get hands-on training. Your college or university should have an internship program to which you can apply.

Tips & Warnings

• Advertising management positions will require a bachelor's degree in advertising, while public relations management positions will require a bachelor's or master's degree in public relations or journalism.

• Use the forums at the PRSA website for any questions you may have on the public relations field.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor: Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
• Public Relations Society of America: Job Center
• College of Journalism and Communications: Public Relations

Resources

• The Public Relations Professional Career Guide
• Career Resources