Alright, so. I think that I am getting the wrong perception of people who work in a PR firm that focuses on fashion, beauty, luxury, etc. Do they really just attend a lot of high class events, party all the time, mingle and schmooze, meet famous & important people, and get impressive freebies? It seems that every novel I’ve read (particularly Everyone Worth Knowing) that includes someone working in PR depicts this lifestyle. How true is this to real life?
What do you actually do in Public Relations?
Alright, so. I think that I am getting the wrong perception of people who work in a PR firm that focuses on fashion, beauty, luxury, etc. Do they really just attend a lot of high class events, party all the time, mingle and schmooze, meet famous & important people, and get impressive freebies? It seems that every novel I’ve read (particularly Everyone Worth Knowing) that includes someone working in PR depicts this lifestyle. How true is this to real life?
One Response
January 6th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
It can be true. I’ve worked in PR in two of the largest PR markets in the world: Los Angeles and London and at two of the largest PR firms in the world as well as a small boutique agency.
The reality is that everyone starts at the bottom in PR. Your level of education doesn’t matter, your level of experience does. If you have no experience, expect to spend 3-4 years paying your dues in entry level positions. Expect to work VERY long hours and lots of overtime which you won’t be compensated for because you will be a salaried employee. Also know that entry level salaries are meager, oftentimes less than $30 K.
However, even entry level employees get some of the “perks” of working in PR. Free event tickets and free products can be part of the beauty of PR work. Though they really don’t make up for the low salaries. You will probably also have the opportunity to mingle with high profile clients and companies, which can be fun.
The work itself is largely administrative and can honestly be tedious and boring at the entry level. You will do a lot work on the phones calling up media outlets to entice them to cover the product or client you represent. You will also eventually write some of the press releases and collateral that is used to inform others about your client.
If you stick around and move through the hierarchical ranks, you can make a very good living and find yourself in a well compensated position. Most PR professionals tend to move around from agency to agency, so don’t expect a life long career with one company. Once you are a senior level professional, however, the work can be terrific. Not only will you be well compensated and receive the legendary perks of the job, but you will also taking on a more creative/ managerial role.