Public Relations is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Public Relations
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Account Management
Career Areas
- Issues Management
- Counseling
- Employee or Member Relations
- Media Relations
- Research
Employers
- Public relations firms (Representing various private and public organizations and institutions, individuals, and events.)
- PR departments in large corporations
General Information
- Strengthen verbal communication skills by taking speech communication courses.
- Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in business and marketing.
- Acquire an internship with a PR firm.
- Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to higher positions.
- Consider a master's degree in PR for higher-level positions, especially at the executive level.
- Learn to work well with teams.
Media
Career Areas
- Reporting
- Advertising Sales
- Writing and Editing
Employers
- Newspapers
- Online news providers
- Television
- Radio
General Information
- Develop the ability to work under the pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Get a summer job or internship with a newspaper, TV, or radio station.
- Work with college newspaper staff or radio station.
- Develop strong computer skills and learn applications related to web page design.
- Obtain experience in the area of sales.
- Get involved with national and campus professional associations.
Public Affairs
Career Areas
- Government Relations
- Risk and Crisis Communication
- Campaign Marketing and Fundraising
- World Affairs and Diplomacy
- Media Relations
Employers
- Government agencies (local, state, & federal)
- Chambers of commerce and tourism councils
- Foreign embassies
- Campaign committees, coalitions, initiatives, and networks
General Information
- Secure federal internships in a field of interest.
- Develop strong research and writing skills.
- Get experience with student government or political campaigns.
- Consider graduate programs in Public Policy/Affairs.
- Develop foreign language skills.
- Enhance language skills and cultural understanding through study abroad programs.
- Gain experience by volunteering with organizations that provide assistance to various cultural groups.
Business and Industry
Career Areas
- Advertising Sales
- Sales
- Training and Development
- Human Resources
- Customer Service
- Management
- Direct Marketing
Employers
- Public and private corporations
- Consulting firms
- Marketing companies
- Internet marketers
- Sport and athletic organizations
- Retail stores
General Information
- Take general business and computer courses.
- Consider earning a graduate degree in business.
- Gain experience in organizational development or marketing.
- Become current with business and industry literature and news.
- Obtain sales and marketing experience.
- Work within college sports administration and marketing.
Nonprofit and Education
Career Areas
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Promotion
- Event Planning
- Service Marketing
- Advertising Sales
- Administration
- Community Affairs
Employers
- Museums
- Charities and foundations (i.e., within the areas of environment, arts, multicultural initiatives, religion, and health)
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
- Colleges and universities
- Social service agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Professional associations
General Information
- Get experience through volunteering for non-profit agencies, museums, and charities.
- Obtain internships with non-profit organizations.
- Gain experience planning events for campus organizations.
- Consider additional degrees such as MPH (Master of Public Health) to enhance employability.
- Get sales experience.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
- Obtain part-time, summer job, internship, or volunteer experience within an area of interest. Public relations is a competitive field and related experience is essential to break into the industry.
- Many graduates start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. You will likely have to complete administrative tasks in entry-level jobs.
- Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to develop skills. Join on-campus and national professional associations related to public relations.
- Obtain additional or advanced degrees to enhance knowledge of specific areas of interest. For instance, a Master's degree in Public Policy (MPP) will increase employability in government and non-profit agencies.
- The PR campaign class is an important and beneficial learning experience.
- Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in business and marketing.
- Gain experience in organizational development or marketing.
- Become current with business and industry literature and news.
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