PR specialists work as campaigners for non-profit organizations, businesses, hospitals and other private organizations to establish and sustain good relationships with the public. Managers depend on the approach and guidelines of PR specialists to maintain positive public relations in order for their company to succeed.
PR Specialists Schools and Degrees
A bachelorŐs degree or post secondary studies in journalism and communications is required in order to become a PR specialist. Many colleges offer courses in this field. Generally, a program in PR teaches public relationship management, writing and preparation of press releases, annual reports and speeches. Courses in other subjects like advertising, creative writing and business management can also be helpful.
Job Requirements
Association with the Public Relations Student Society of America or the International Association of Business Communicators helps PR students exchange views and opinions with professionals in the field. Such associations are also helpful in finding job opportunities after graduation. Experience preparing slide presentations or TV/ radio programs, along with experience as a publish writer provide better job opportunities for prospective employees..
Training is important in this field. In small organizations, young recruits work under the guidance of experienced and senior PR professionals. In larger organizations, they are given formal training. Those starting out in this field often have to maintain databases of articles and clippings from newspapers and magazines. They also need to gather material for speeches. However, only after substantial and relevant experience can they write speeches, news releases or execute programs of public relations.
PR specialists need to possess creativity, good judgment and excellent communication skills. They also need skills in research, problem solving and decision-making. The ability to work in a team and an open mind to new ideas is particularly important in order to excel in this profession.
Nature of Work
PR specialists look into employee-investor relationships and interest group representations. It is important for them to understand the mind-set of consumers, employees and interest groups, and maintain good relations with them. They outline press releases and get in touch with the media to broadcast their material. PR specialists also organize programs to maintain contact between the organization and the public. In addition, they make annual reports and prepare proposals for different projects.
PR specialists work for about forty hours in a week. Their work involves meeting deadlines and maintaining tight schedules>
PR Specialists Jobs and Outlook
According to research in 2006, PR specialists held about 243,000 jobs in the US. Employment is highest in the following industries :
Advertising and Related Services
Business, Professional, Labor, Political and Similar Organizations
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Local Government
Management of Companies and Enterprises
The average annual earnings of PR specialists is about $47,000. Employment for PR specialists is expected to increase by about 18 percent in the next ten years.
Job Numbers and Growth
PR specialists in the US number about 243,000. Workers generally expect a very low unemployment rate. There were about 3% of employees without jobs in 2008.
Area Job Conditions
Where are jobs most numerous? Washington (District of Columbia), Olympia (Washington), and Jefferson City (Missouri). Least common? Lafayette (Louisiana), Fayetteville (North Carolina), and Rockford (Illinois).
Salaries vary across the country, from highest in San Jose (California), Washington (District of Columbia), and Oxnard (California) to lowest in Chico (California), Columbus (Indiana), and Wheeling (West Virginia).
Training and Education
Obtaining a bachelor's degree will help job seekers. PR specialists with four or more years of college are 81% of the total. An estimated 14% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 5% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Whether by choice or necessity, 14% of PR specialists work part-time. About 5% of workers do not work for a company or organization.
PR Specialists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.