So You Want a Career in PR?: Here are Some Things to Consider

Your Guide to Breaking Into the Industry

The world of public relations beckons with promises of dynamic workdays, creative challenges, and the thrill of shaping public narratives. If you're considering a career in PR, you're likely wondering about the best path forward–from choosing your college major to landing that first job.

Let's dive into everything you need to know to launch your PR career successfully.

Choosing Your Educational Path

When it comes to college majors, PR offers flexibility in your choice of study. While a Public Relations degree provides the most direct route, several other majors can equip you with the necessary skills for success. Communications, Journalism, Marketing, and even English degrees can serve as excellent foundations for a PR career. The key is to develop strong writing and analytical skills, regardless of your chosen major.

To enhance your career prospects, consider complementing your major with minors in Business, Digital Marketing, or Psychology. These combinations can give you a unique edge in understanding both the business landscape and human behavior–crucial elements in effective public relations.

Building Your Skill Set

The PR industry demands a diverse skill set that goes beyond what you'll learn in the classroom. Writing excellence stands as the cornerstone of any successful PR career. You'll need to master various writing styles, from crafting compelling press releases to developing engaging social media content. But don't stop there. Today's PR professionals must also be digitally fluent. Familiarize yourself with social media management tools, basic design software like Canva, and content management systems such as WordPress.

Here are the core competencies you should focus on developing:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication

• Strategic thinking and campaign planning

• Media relations and networking abilities

• Digital marketing and social media expertise

• Crisis communication and problem-solving skills

Gaining Real-World Experience

Experience is currency in the PR world, and you don't have to wait until graduation to start accumulating it. Internships serve as your golden ticket to hands-on experience, with most successful candidates completing at least two before graduation. Look for opportunities in various settings, including agencies, corporate communications departments of Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits all offer valuable but different perspectives on the industry.

Beyond internships, campus life offers numerous opportunities to build your PR portfolio. Get involved with your university's PRSSA chapter, manage social media for student organizations, or handle PR for campus events. These experiences build your skills and provide tangible examples of your work for future job interviews.

Landing Your First PR Position

Your first job search should focus on opportunities with growth potential rather than just an impressive title or brand name. Look for positions that will expose you to various aspects of PR and provide mentorship opportunities. The choice between agency and in-house roles is particularly significant; agencies typically offer faster-paced environments with exposure to multiple clients, while in-house positions often allow for deeper involvement with a single brand.

When evaluating potential employers, pay attention to the company culture and team dynamics. A supportive environment that values professional development can accelerate your career growth significantly. Watch out for red flags like excessive unpaid overtime expectations or a lack of senior PR professionals on staff.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Success in PR requires ongoing learning and relationship building. Find a mentor who can guide your career development and join professional organizations to expand your network. Stay current with industry trends by following PR publications and participating in industry events and discussions.

Document your successes from the start by keeping copies of your best writing samples, tracking campaign metrics, and collecting testimonials from satisfied clients or colleagues. These pieces will help you create a portfolio that will prove invaluable as you progress in your career.

Remember that public relations is a field that rewards both creativity and strategic thinking. Your career path might lead you toward crisis communications, brand building, media relations, or any number of specialized areas within PR. Stay open to different opportunities while building your foundation, and don't be afraid to explore various aspects of the field until you find your niche.

The journey to a successful PR career starts with these first steps, but where you take it from there is up to you. Focus on continuous learning, building strong relationships, and developing your skills, and you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in public relations.