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Industry Overview
Public relations is about developing effective relationships and maintaining a particular image. The reputation, profitability, and success of a product, organization, or even an individual, can depend on public support of their goals, policies or actions. PR is a field very much focused on creating and advocating a particular image of the product and/or service(s) for the clients that they represent. This is done through a variety of avenues that includes media placement, event coordination and industry research. Those who work in the field help the general public become both aware and engaged with their client. Clients can include people, products, services, ideas and/or concepts. Public Relations work is done in all sectors and work with diverse clients such as hospitals, politicians and multinational companies.
PR professionals are employed in four primary types of organizations. Keep all types of employers in mind when looking for internship or job opportunities in public relations.
- Public Relations Firms
There are hundreds of public relations firms in the U.S. alone, ranging from small boutique firms to those with thousands of employees at locations around the country. Some firms specialize in a particular industry; others are generalists and work with clients from all industries. The web resources in the following section can assist you in locating firms to target in your job and internship search.
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Social Service Agencies/Organizations
- Museums
- Health Care Organizations/Hospitals
- Nongovernmental Organizations, Think Tanks, Advocacy Groups
- Colleges/Universities
- Foundations
- Religious Organizations
- Government
- Federal, State, Local government agencies
- Political Campaigns
- Corporate Organizations
- Financial Services
- Sports Teams, Sports Venues, Sports Associations
- Manufacturers/Industry
- Technology/Engineering Firms
- Medical/Scientific Research Organizations
- Entertainment Industry: Film, Radio, Television, Theatre
- Publishing: Book, Magazine, Newspaper
- Hospitality/Tourism Industry: Resorts, Tourist Attractions, Theme Parks
- Fashion/Beauty Industry
Sample Job Titles
Though the position titles will vary from organization to organization, some common entry level position titles that you may see are listed below:
Community Relations Coordinator, Public Relations Assistant, Publicity Coordinator, Press Secretary, Publicist, Speechwriter, Hospital Public Affairs Officer, University Public Affairs Officer, Press Agent, Public Information Specialist, Investor Relations Specialist, Development Officer, Account Coordinator, Communications and Media Specialist, Member Relations Officer, Industry Relations Coordinator
Breaking into the Industry
Public Relations firms value initiative; if seeking a job or internship in PR, it is important to proactively seek out opportunities rather than waiting for positions to be posted on eRecruiting or other job search sites. Establish and maintain contacts at firms or organizations of interest through networking, informational interviewing, and interning. These contacts will help in building a solid foundation in Public Relations.
Resources
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