Public Relations

What can I do with this major?

Account Management

Area

  • Issues Management
  • Counseling
  • Employee or Member Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Research

Employer

  • Public relations firms (Representing various private and public organizations and institutions, individuals, and events.)
  • PR departments in large corporations

Information / 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 and work 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.

Media

Area

  • Reporting
  • Advertising Sales
  • Writing and Editing

Employer

  • Newspapers
  • Online news providers
  • Television
  • Radio

Information / 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

Area

  • Government Relations
  • Risk and Crisis Communication
  • Campaign Marketing and Fundraising
  • World Affairs and Diplomacy
  • Media Relations

Employer

  • Government agencies (local, state, & federal)
  • Chambers of commerce and tourism councils foreign embassies
  • Campaign committees, coalitions, initiatives, and networks

Information / 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

Area

  • 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.

Employer

  • Public and private corporations
  • Consulting firms
  • Marketing companies
  • Internet marketers
  • Sport and athletic organizations
  • Retail stores

Information / 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.

Non-profit and Education

Area

  • Public Relations
  • Fundraising
  • Promotion
  • Event Planning
  • Service Marketing
  • Advertising Sales
  • Administration
  • Community Affairs

Employer

  • Museums
  • Charities and foundations (i.e. within the areas of environment, arts, multicultural initiatives, religion, and health)
  • Hospitals and healthcare providers
  • Colleges and universities
  • Social service agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Professional associations

Information / 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.
  • Get sales experience.

General Information and Strategies

  • Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for 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.
  • Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. Expect to complete administrative tasks in entry-level jobs.
  • Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to develop skills. Join on-campus and national professional associations related to public relations.
  • 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 non-profit agencies.
  • Take PR campaign class seriously as it is a good learning experience.