What’s Your PR Path?
Posted: February 2, 2015, 4:32 p.m.
by Mackensie Henderson.
As a public relations graduate, you have an array of admirable qualities to offer employers. You have the ability to conduct research; write, draft and edit editorial materials; speak clearly to the public; create a brand or campaign . . . so many qualifications. It’s no wonder a degree in public relations can land you a job in any industry.
Public relations is a notoriously broad major that allows graduates the flexibility to choose from a wide range of career paths. Though many public relations students choose the agency life after college, there are far more careers out there that a public relations degree can lead you to. If you are interested in a specific industry — such as banking, entertainment or politics — there is always the need for a PR pro. Here are a few careers you could choose with a degree in public relations:
Public Relations Specialist
This is one of the most common jobs in public relations. As a public relations specialist, your job entails establishing a relationship with the media, pitching stories, drafting news releases and acting as a liaison between the news media and your client or company.
Average Salary: $54,940 (US News, 2013)
Event Coordinator
If you enjoy paying attention to detail, and aspire to use it as a tool to meet business goals, this is the job for you. Though this career may seem glamorous, it’s a very nit-picky job that requires a quick mind and deliberate PR strategy. Responsibilities include creating promotional materials, managing inventory and making sure the corporate or nonprofit event adheres to the budget. America’s Job Exchange came up with a list that showcases types of events you could plan and other tasks of an event coordinator.
Average Salary: $44,377 (Glassdoor, 2015)
Communications Editor I / Entry Level Communications Editor
Is writing your forte? You could go into communications editing. Though the average starting pay is $46,009, working your way up is well worth your while. A communications editor V makes the list for receiving a significantly higher paycheck in the field of public relations. You have the potential to earn up to $154,318 with the average being $117,469. The job of a communications editor I encompasses tasks such as writing articles for company magazines or pamphlets, having the final say in the dissemination of editorial pieces about the company, and handling all editorial aspects for the company.
Average Salary: $46,009 (Salary, 2015)
Marketing Manager
This job is for those that have an additional background in marketing or business. A marketing manager administers every marketing aspect on behalf of a company. Creating and executing marketing strategies, analyzing logistics and market trends, and designing graphics are a few responsibilities of a marketing manager. Staying updated with technology and discovering new platforms to promote your brand are musts if you choose this profession. Marketing managers are needed in almost every industry — banking, healthcare, entertainment, politics, corporate companies, etc. Here is the complete job description of a marketing manager from America’s Job Exchange.
Average Salary: $86,580 (Salary, 2015)
Publicist
As a publicist, you will benefit most by living in a large city, where the entertainment and sports industries are prevalent. It is a publicist’s job to manage celebrity clients and generate news coverage for them. Other tasks include booking appearances, drafting and distributing news releases to the media, and acting as the liaison between the client, key publics and media.
Average Salary: $47,000 (Glassdoor, 2015)
Public Relations Manager- Healthcare
This career is suited for those who have an interest in the mergence of PR and healthcare. Hospitals are in constant need of someone to generate news coverage and inform the public of current health concerns. It’s up to the public relations manager to come up with effective PR strategies for the hospital. This career consists of obtaining local to national media coverage, constructing a crisis communications plan, and garnering media contacts to circulate news releases. Salary.com offers additional PR-related jobs in the healthcare industry.
Average Salary: $75,000 (SimplyHired, 2015)
These are just a few of the many jobs you can pursue with a public relations degree. Here are some other career options to consider:
– Account executive
– Research & insights analyst
– Media relations manager
– Fundraising specialist
– Political campaign manager
– Sales representative
– Public affairs officer
– Human resources manager
– Director of promotions
