Public relations staffers work in public relations departments. They are responsible to help their businesses and organizations maintain positive relations with other businesses, government agencies, the public, the media, and other community groups. They often spend their time working with the media, government groups, writing press releases regarding client events, and even working within the business to improve employee and investors relations.
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or English (4 years of College)
Master’s Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations (2 years beyond bachelor’s degree)
The educational requirements to become a public relations staffer include a bachelor’s degree (4 years of college). Employers also like to hire individuals with experience in the PR, public relations sector. This is why doing an internship during college in the public relations world can be very helpful to graduates as they try to find work after graduate. Large employers also look for public relations staffers with a graduate certification or a master’s degree and an emphasis in public relations.
Coursework
Finance
Political Science and Government
Media Writing
Sociology
Non-Profit Agencies
Project Management
Customer Relationships
Writing for technology
Employment Trends
Job Availability of PR Specialists as of May 2008: 275,200
Projected Employment of PR Specialists in 2018: 341,300
Average Annual Salary for PR Specialists in U.S. in 2008: $51,280
Top Colleges
Everest College
Walden University
Baker University
University of Phoenix
Keiser University
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Article Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics