Unit 9: Careers in Public Relations
Well-honed public relations skills have a place in just about every human enterprise from international commerce to campaigns for public office to solving social ills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment opportunities for public relations practitioners will grow in the years ahead. Among the issues to consider for those contemplating a job in public relations are the skillsets required, the working conditions, the potential for advancement, and salary levels. This unit will introduce you to employment resources available that aid public relations aspirants in finding their first job and advancing through a professional career.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the job skills necessary for a public relations professional; and
- describe working conditions and career prospects in public relations.
9.1: Job Outlook for Public Relations Professionals
Start by reading the "What They Do" tab. Then, read the rest of the tabs from "Work Environment" to "Contacts for More Info". Afterwards, read the summary. This page gives extensive data on the public relations profession, including pay, education and skill requirements, current and projected number of jobs, work environment, and more.
Read this summary of the employment outlook in the fields of marketing, public relations, advertising, and sales.
9.2: PR Employment Tips
9.2.1: Just Starting Out
Read these two articles for advice from experienced PR professionals on the first steps towards a career in public relations. These articles will be especially useful for recent college graduates in this competitive field.
9.2.2: Public Relations Internships
Read these articles on internship issues.
Visit this site and spend some time searching for internship opportunities by industry (like public relations) and location.
9.2.3: Entry-Level Public Relations Jobs
Read these two articles by young public relations professionals. The authors discuss their best tips on landing a first job in PR.
9.2.4: Career Advancement
Read these two articles written by PR professionals. In these articles, the authors discuss advanced career options and methods in public relations.
9.3: Research: Employment Resources for Public Relations Job Placement
Browse this site for articles on finding work and links to employment agencies for jobs in public relations, communications, and marketing. At the PRSA's Job Center, you can search for public relations jobs according to the industry and location that you desire. You can also post your resume as well as research career and education resources.
This article discusses career opportunities in public relations and gives links to information on large PR employers, qualifications you will need to develop, and how to advance in your career. Share any useful leads you find in the discussion forum.
Visit this database of links to international organizations involved in governmental and nonprofit activities around the world. This resource is especially useful for practitioners who hope to apply their public relations skills to government work, social marketing, and development programs. Share any useful information and leads you find in the discussion forum.
Browse this site for articles on finding work and links to employment agencies for jobs in public relations, communications, and marketing. At the PRSA's Job Center, you can search for public relations jobs according to the industry and location that you desire. You can also post your resume as well as research career and education resources.
Unit 9 Discussion
After you review the unit, post and respond to these topics on the discussion forum. Feel free to start your own related posts, and respond to other students' posts as well.
- Where in the world would you most like to work, and what kinds of public relations projects would you like to be involved with?
- What useful employment resources and job leads did you find in your research for this unit?
- Based on your studies in this unit, what words of advice would you offer to someone just starting out in a PR career?
