PR As A Career
Public relations is a bottomless well of opportunities and is a rewarding career, no matter what path you choose and is a great career for people who are interested in communications, marketing, and media. PR is also a good choice for people who enjoy working with the public and helping brands build positive relationships with their audiences.
If you have an interest in a particular industry sector, let's say technology, then working for an agency handling tech clients, allows you to learn about new technologies and developments before anyone else.
Or, maybe you have a passion for the environment. Then working with a non profit and helping them promote their message to the media and public is a great way to match your enthusiasm with a cause you believe in.
Common PR Titles Include:
- Administration
- Account Coordinator
- Account Executive
- Consultant
- Senior Consultant
- Account Director
- Director of Client Servicing
- General Manager
- Managing Director
That's generally how an agency is structured, but in larger agencies, it's common to find practice heads (Head of Technology, Head of Healthcare, etc.), social media managers, content strategists, data analysts, event managers and a host of other titles.
If you are looking for a job in PR, it is important to find an agency that is a good cultural fit for you and where you feel you can do your best work. [Remember, even if your skills and experience only match 70% of a job description, it's worth applying because someone else will.]
Or, instead of an agency, you may want to work in-house and be on the client side.
Whether in-house or agency, PR offers self-development, a sense of achievement, job satisfaction, and is a field that is always changing and evolving.
1) Media Relations
A media relations specialist is responsible for managing the relationships between an organization and the media. They work to ensure that the organization's message is communicated effectively and accurately to the public. This is rewarding because you get to see the fruits of your labour in the media.
Skills needed: Communication, writing, interpersonal and interest in current affairs
2) Event Planner
An event planner is responsible for organizing and coordinating events. This can include everything from small company parties to large-scale trade shows. If you are detail orientated and have good people skills to deal with clients and vendors, you may have found your calling.
Skills needed: Organizational, communication, interpersonal and the ability to think on your feet
3) PR Advisor
A PR advisor is responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients. They need to be able to understand the client's needs and objectives and provide counsel on crisis management.
Skills needed: All rounded.
4) Executive Media Trainer
An executive media trainer is responsible for teaching executives how to effectively communicate with the media. They need to be able to understand the needs of the executives and then develop a training plan that meets those needs. They also need to be able to deliver the training engagingly and effectively.
Skills needed: Communication, writing, research, presentation
5) PR Manager
A PR manager is responsible for developing and implementing Public Relations plans. They work with a team to ensure that the plan is executed effectively. They also need to be able to monitor and evaluate the results of the PR campaign.
Skills needed: All rounded. A PR manager has to lead, guide and mentor the team, work directly with clients, and media. Often the PR manager is involved in new business development including pitching and presentations.
6) Social Media Manager
Responsible for creating and managing an organization's social media presence, this requires planning, monitoring, and evaluation and how different platforms work.
Skills needed: Communication, writing, research, creative flair
A PR professional, especially in small agencies, will need to be knowledgeable in the roles described above. In fact, the more experience you can pick up during your PR journey, the better. You may find event management isn't your cup of tea and media relations is where you do your best work.
Having expertise in many areas broadens your experience, is invaluable to clients and may help your career further down the road.
Everyone has to start somewhere and the roles offered in PR are so varied there are many points of entry.
We hope this post has given you some valuable information about jobs in PR and sparked an interest in public relations as a career.
Eight PR, a Hong Kong public relations agency, helps clients to stand out from the competition.
From media relations to content development, corporate reputation management to thought leadership programmes, and digital communications, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is simple: to empower your business with all things PR and help you achieve your goals.
Find us at eight@eightpr.com or call Tel: +852 9186 2984