AREAS
ACCOUNT
MANAGEMENT
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
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
MEDIA
Reporting
Advertising Sales
Writing and
Editing
EMPLOYERS
Newspapers
Online news
providers
Television
Radio
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
PUBLIC
AFFAIRS
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
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRY
Advertising Sales
Sales
Training and
Development
Human Resources
Customer Service
Management
Direct
Marketing -Direct marketers work with the customer through mail, magazines,
radio, or TV to get an immediate response by telephone, mail, or fax.
EMPLOYERS
Public and private corporations
Consulting
firms
Marketing companies
Internet marketers
Sport and athletic
organizations
Retail stores
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
NON-PROFIT AND
EDUCATION
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
STRATEGIES
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Develop excellent communication
skills, verbal and written.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the field.
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.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. Expect 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 area of interests. For instance, a Master's degree in Public Policy (MPP) will increase employability in government and non-profit agencies.
Take PR campaign class seriously as it is a good learning experience.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The
University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title
IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer