I actually blogged on this very topic not long ago. See the link below. Here’s an overview:
-Internships at PR firms or in corporate PR departments
-Put together a portfolio of writings and other related work
-Know where to conduct your job search.
-Join the PRSA or PRSSA (whichever is appropriate for you)
-A little luck can’t hurt
The best way to get started is to make contacts and to gain the knowledge you need to get a job in Public Relations. If you haven’t received a degree yet, you need to get a degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or something in communications. If you get a degree in PR, you will have the opportunity to make better contacts and get the best internships only b/c you’ll have professors there who have already established relationships with firms around the area. A degree in PR isn’t necessary though. It’s only a good starting point.
You must possess fantastic oral and written communication skills, and good grammar. PR is like advertising but you are selling an image. You need to know everything there is to help you promote that image - how to work with the media, how to write press releases, some graphic design knowledge (in smaller businesses - the PR officer does all of the graphic work), communication, some photography (again - in smaller businesses, you could be in charge of these type of things). You’ll be wearing different hats. I work for a hospital so my duties also include employee relations, planning special events, and basically any other random tasks.
To get your foot in the door:
If you can’t find an entry-level job directly in public relations, look for a job at a newspaper, or something in marketing. Look for something to build your resume for when you do find the PR job you’re looking for. It’s also to get started in an area like a hospital or nonprofit, or something you don’t typically think of when you think of PR. They are always looking for someone with good skills and ready to work. It will also introduce you to all of the different aspects of PR.
Join your local PR organization! I can’t stress this enough….. you will be in a room full of PR professionals usually on a monthly basis! Search for your local group on the internet. I see the above post mentioned some organizations so I won’t go into that again. Most local organizations require you to work in PR before joining, so refer back to my first tip. If you’re a student, join the student PR group! It will help you gain internships and jobs after school.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:07 am
I actually blogged on this very topic not long ago. See the link below. Here’s an overview:
-Internships at PR firms or in corporate PR departments
-Put together a portfolio of writings and other related work
-Know where to conduct your job search.
-Join the PRSA or PRSSA (whichever is appropriate for you)
-A little luck can’t hurt
February 26th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
The best way to get started is to make contacts and to gain the knowledge you need to get a job in Public Relations. If you haven’t received a degree yet, you need to get a degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or something in communications. If you get a degree in PR, you will have the opportunity to make better contacts and get the best internships only b/c you’ll have professors there who have already established relationships with firms around the area. A degree in PR isn’t necessary though. It’s only a good starting point.
You must possess fantastic oral and written communication skills, and good grammar. PR is like advertising but you are selling an image. You need to know everything there is to help you promote that image - how to work with the media, how to write press releases, some graphic design knowledge (in smaller businesses - the PR officer does all of the graphic work), communication, some photography (again - in smaller businesses, you could be in charge of these type of things). You’ll be wearing different hats. I work for a hospital so my duties also include employee relations, planning special events, and basically any other random tasks.
To get your foot in the door:
If you can’t find an entry-level job directly in public relations, look for a job at a newspaper, or something in marketing. Look for something to build your resume for when you do find the PR job you’re looking for. It’s also to get started in an area like a hospital or nonprofit, or something you don’t typically think of when you think of PR. They are always looking for someone with good skills and ready to work. It will also introduce you to all of the different aspects of PR.
Join your local PR organization! I can’t stress this enough….. you will be in a room full of PR professionals usually on a monthly basis! Search for your local group on the internet. I see the above post mentioned some organizations so I won’t go into that again. Most local organizations require you to work in PR before joining, so refer back to my first tip. If you’re a student, join the student PR group! It will help you gain internships and jobs after school.
Continue learning and making contacts!