What is Public Relations like as a career?

How to go about persuing a career in public relations?

• I just became interested in a career in public relations. I'd like to know how long does it take to recive a degree in public relations or journalism?? which of the two I'd ...show more

• Answer:

  You can earn a degree in public relations at various four year colleges across the country. Many larger public state colleges offer degrees specifically labeled as public relations while other schools offer degrees where public relations skills are taught while not specifically labeling the degree as public relations. At a school where you can earn a degree in public relations you will most likely be part of a larger journalism and/ or communications school where degrees in broadcasting, print journalism and advertising will also be offered in addition to public relations. You will take many of the same classes a journalism student however your final or upper level classes will be more focused on public relations. Many people in Journalism often will switch to public relations in their career so earning a degree in journalism would not disqualify you at all for any pr position. Because public relations is a broad subject you will find that many people do not have degrees in PR but succeed in the field. You need to know how to write and communicate effectively, strategically and concisely and this is a skill that many with other degrees have. Still a degree in public relations is the best way to stand out and shows you are very dedicated and focused on the specific discipline. PR differs from other fields in the sense that experience, internships, etc. mean more than in other fields. PR agencies for example don't have development programs where they recruit at colleges and take a large class of entry level positions. You will need to have an impressive resume. PR professionals should expect to earn starting salaries of around 27-35k, however promotions come quick and it is a relatively young profession. It is not uncommon to see VPs in pr in their early 30's. Basics of the job include researching the field of the company you are working for/client, building relationships with the media, writing press releases, brochures.