Public relations is the measured and ethical use of language and symbols to inspire cooperation between an organization and its publics. Public relations specialists help businesses, governments and their agencies, universities, hospitals, schools and other organizations build and maintain positive relationships with the public.

Related Fields 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. Name 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. 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. 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. Nonprofit 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. Other Professions Advertising Copywriter Advertising Manager Communications Specialist Community Relations Government Relations Specialist Market Researcher Marketing Media Relations Press Secretary Project Director Promotion Manager Public Advocate Public Affairs