How to Become a Public Relations Specialist
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Public Relations Specialist
What does a Public Relations Specialist do?
A Public Relations Specialist prepares and disseminates information regarding an organization through newspapers, periodicals, television, radio and social media. Ensures public relations goals and strategies are met. Being a Public Relations Specialist helps maintain a favorable public image for the organization. Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Public Relations Specialist typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Public Relations Specialist gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Public Relations Specialist typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
Businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and hospitals all rely on public relations specialists to maintain positive relationships with communities, investors, public interest groups, the media, their employees, and the general public.
For example, high-profile companies may come into negative light for any number of reasons and they rely on their public relations departments to perform “damage control” quickly and efficiently.
The education required of public relations specialists may include a degree in public relations, communication, journalism, or advertising.
It's also important for this person to have the ability to understand the public and relate to the public’s role in the success of a given business or concept.
They're also sometimes called communication, or media specialists.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Public Relations Specialist
Best tips for those who want to become a Public Relations Specialist
Here are some tips to become a Public Relations Specialist.
Give an example of a successful PR campaign you designed.
Build your skill set by taking relevant classes.
Know what to expect from the interview process.
Your boss asks you to solve the problem.
Your boss asks you to write a press release.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Public Relations Specialist
Best colleges and universities for Public Relations Specialist
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Public Relations Specialist
Is being a Public Relations Specialist Worth it?
Evaluate public opinion of clients through surveys, polls, and social media listening.
A public relations specialist's salary can vary depending on location, experience, and employer.
Although there are no standard educational requirements to get into the public relations field, employers generally prefer to hire job candidates who have graduated from college with a bachelor's degree.
The Public Relations Specialist will be responsible for serving as a strategic business partner to Life Time executives, business and program leaders across Life Time markets in the US and Canada.
Some of their responsibilities include the development and execution of public and media relations strategies and plans and tactics in support of Life Time destinations, businesses, products, services, and events.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Public Relations Specialist
What skills do you need to be a Public Relations Specialist?
There are skills required to succeed in every role, and this one is no different. Strategic knowledge of the follow skills will be required: Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Public Speaking. For success, a grasp of the following is key: Public Relations (PR) Software. Your ability to stand out from the competition depends on these skills, as well as your resume, interview, and other factors.
Public relations specialists deal with the public and the media regularly; therefore, they must be open and friendly to maintain a favorable image for their organization.
Public relations specialists are often in charge of managing several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills.
Writing skills. Public relations specialists must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches.
Because many college graduates apply for the limited amount of public relations positions each year, candidates can expect strong competition for jobs.
Candidates can expect particularly strong competition at advertising firms, organizations with large media exposure, and at prestigious public relations firms.
Step 6: View average salary for Public Relations Specialist
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make?
The average salary range for a Public Relations Specialist is from $68,286 to $85,387. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Public Relations Specialist jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Public Relations Specialist jobs, and apply.
Looking for Public Relations Specialist jobs?
Here are some Public Relations Specialist jobs in the United States.