Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists usually work in offices. Some attend community activities or events. Long workdays are common, as is overtime.

Some of the things a public relations specialist might do:

• Write press releases and prepare information for the media
• Respond to information requests from the media
• Help clients communicate effectively with the public
• Help maintain their organization’s corporate image and identity
• Draft speeches and arrange interviews for an organization’s top executives
• Evaluate advertising and promotion programs to determine whether they are compatible with their organization’s public relations efforts
• Evaluate public opinion of clients through social media

Watch this video to learn about what our public relations specialist role models do in their careers:

• Interpersonal skills: Public relations specialists deal with the public and the media regularly; therefore, they must be open and friendly in order to maintain a favorable image for their organization.
• Organizational skills: Public relations specialists are often in charge of managing several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills.
• Problem-solving skills: Public relations specialists sometimes must explain how a company or client is handling sensitive issues. They must use good judgment in what they report and how they report it.
• Speaking skills: Public relations specialists regularly speak on behalf of their organization. When doing so, they must be able to clearly explain the organization’s position.
• Writing skills: Public relations specialists must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches. They must be able to grasp the key messages they want to get across and write them in a short, succinct way, to get the attention of busy readers or listeners.

Watch this video to learn more from our public relations specialist role models:

The average pay for public relations specialists in the United States was $66,750 in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A public relations specialist’s pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry.

About 25,800 new job openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States.

Overall employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth.

The use of social media also is expected to create opportunities for public relations specialists as they try to appeal to consumers and the general public in new ways.

Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. Through such programs, students produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to prospective employers.

Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Journalism or Communications.

Watch this video to learn more from our public relations specialist role models: