Public relations deals with the impression your client/employer makes; it’s about reputation. PR officers (also known as communications or media specialists) interface between clients and all types of media and between clients and the public to ensure a positive perception.
A PR job description would normally include the following (not a complete listing):
Arrangements for publicity and news coverage.
Monitoring of media for client-related information or opportunities.
Liaison with colleagues, clients, media, community and consumers.
Develop proposals, implement PR activity to increase product/service awareness.
Promotion of client events, related news stories.
Event management, i.e. Press conferences, promotional.
Creation, distribution of press releases, client publications.
Conduct analysis, market and public opinion research.
Make presentations at internal or external meetings.
Carry out conflict mediation.
PR people are employed both in-house and through consultancies across a broad spectrum of industries: Government agencies ("press secretary”), health care, finance, education, advertising, corporate, non-profit/service groups, charities, consumer organizations or trade/technical institutions.
Interested individuals must possess enthusiasm and an outgoing personality, as well as strong skills in written and verbal communication, interpersonal relations, problem-solving, research and organization. A college degree in public relations, journalism or communications is frequently required. Related studies may include business administration, psychology, public speaking, information technology, mass media or advertising.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.html anticipates 24% increase in PR jobs through 2018, making it a rare growth industry in the present economic climate. They do, however, indicate the likelihood of strong competition for entry-level jobs and stress the need for a degree and the advantage of related work experience.
A PR job description would normally include the following (not a complete listing):
Arrangements for publicity and news coverage.
Monitoring of media for client-related information or opportunities.
Liaison with colleagues, clients, media, community and consumers.
Develop proposals, implement PR activity to increase product/service awareness.
Promotion of client events, related news stories.
Event management, i.e. Press conferences, promotional.
Creation, distribution of press releases, client publications.
Conduct analysis, market and public opinion research.
Make presentations at internal or external meetings.
Carry out conflict mediation.
PR people are employed both in-house and through consultancies across a broad spectrum of industries: Government agencies ("press secretary”), health care, finance, education, advertising, corporate, non-profit/service groups, charities, consumer organizations or trade/technical institutions.
Interested individuals must possess enthusiasm and an outgoing personality, as well as strong skills in written and verbal communication, interpersonal relations, problem-solving, research and organization. A college degree in public relations, journalism or communications is frequently required. Related studies may include business administration, psychology, public speaking, information technology, mass media or advertising.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.html anticipates 24% increase in PR jobs through 2018, making it a rare growth industry in the present economic climate. They do, however, indicate the likelihood of strong competition for entry-level jobs and stress the need for a degree and the advantage of related work experience.
