An on campus or online bachelors degree in public relations, journalism, communications or marketing will help you gain entry onto a path that could lead to a career as a public relations specialist or public relations manager. It also helps if you can support those skills with some knowledge about the vertical your company operates in.
For example, it will help if you have a bit of an insurance background when you’re working in the public relations area of an insurance company.
For example, it will help if you have a bit of an insurance background when you’re working in the public relations area of an insurance company.
What does a public relations specialist do?
Public relations specialists are also called public relations managers, communications specialists and media relations specialists. They deliver the messages for their company or clients who are seeking to build positive relations with the public.
They handle the following:
• Organizational events
• Political campaigns
• Conflict mediation
• Press releases
• Media contacts
• Programs that establish contact between the organization and the public
• Speaking engagements
Often, public relations specialists represent their clients or employers during community events like ribbon cuttings, parades, picnics, conventions, etc.
In large organizations, a PR specialist may help craft internal and external messages regarding situations a company can find themselves in such as having to do layoffs, reporting poor financial results or responding to potential scandals. Public relations specialists can be referred to as company spokespersons in these cases.
What kind of education does a public relations specialist need?
As suggested above a bachelors degree in public relations or related fields like journalism, communication or marketing are usually enough to obtain entry into the field. Other credentials such as an accreditation with the Public Relations Society of America, can continue to spur advancement in the profession.
How much does a public relations specialist earn?
Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that median annual salaries for public relations specialists are at around $51,280.
Where can a public relations specialist work?
Public relations specialists can work anywhere a voice to the public is needed. Politics, large corporations, sports teams, the government and many others have a constant need for good communicators who know how to craft a message and deliver it effectively.
They can also work independently for clients who need PR but not on a full time basis.