3 answers
Alasia
Student
Lithonia, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to start a career in Public Relations, and what should I expect from my first job? #Spring26
Currently a college junior in the mass communications department, aspiring to work in public relations. either politically or crisis communications
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3 answers
Katrina Olson
Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Writing, Business
10
Answers
Urbana, Illinois
Updated
Katrina’s Answer
Try to get an internship with a political office, even if it's just at the local level. If that's not possible, consider volunteering. Public Relations involves tasks like researching media, posting on social media, creating lists, finding contacts, and setting up meetings. While you help out, you'll learn a lot.
Some agencies focus on crisis communications, but it's usually just a part of regular PR work. Crisis PR needs experience, good judgment, and strategy, which you usually gain later in your career. However, taking a class in Crisis PR can give you a strong foundation and be very helpful. I took one during my Master's program, and it was great.
You might also consider handling PR for a campus club, a local nonprofit, or a volunteer group. If you're already part of a club, ask to be the PR chair, even if it means creating a new role.
Lastly, read some classic case studies like the Chicago Tylenol tampering, Exxon Valdez, Pepsi Clear, and more recently Cracker Barrel. Borrow a PR textbook from the library or look up information online. You'll learn a lot from both the successes and the failures.
Some agencies focus on crisis communications, but it's usually just a part of regular PR work. Crisis PR needs experience, good judgment, and strategy, which you usually gain later in your career. However, taking a class in Crisis PR can give you a strong foundation and be very helpful. I took one during my Master's program, and it was great.
You might also consider handling PR for a campus club, a local nonprofit, or a volunteer group. If you're already part of a club, ask to be the PR chair, even if it means creating a new role.
Lastly, read some classic case studies like the Chicago Tylenol tampering, Exxon Valdez, Pepsi Clear, and more recently Cracker Barrel. Borrow a PR textbook from the library or look up information online. You'll learn a lot from both the successes and the failures.
Michele Enhaynes
Communications lead
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Michele’s Answer
I can't speak to political opportunities but generally you can try these options in addition to what's been mentioned.
Check with your school program coordinator or career centre if there are internship or volunteer programs that you can sign up for that will give you the experience you are looking for. You can also engage your professors who may have a network looking for support.
Reach out to program alumni to set up informational interviews - they have just gone through the process and can provide great advice.
If there is a company that you're interested in working for you could look to set up informational interviews with employees to better understand what they do and hopefully this can open the door to future opportunities. You will need to do your research to make sure you're finding the right contacts.
Many PR firms have social media accounts, you could follow them as they often post tips about specific communication strategies - it's a good way to learn.
Good luck!
Check with your school program coordinator or career centre if there are internship or volunteer programs that you can sign up for that will give you the experience you are looking for. You can also engage your professors who may have a network looking for support.
Reach out to program alumni to set up informational interviews - they have just gone through the process and can provide great advice.
If there is a company that you're interested in working for you could look to set up informational interviews with employees to better understand what they do and hopefully this can open the door to future opportunities. You will need to do your research to make sure you're finding the right contacts.
Many PR firms have social media accounts, you could follow them as they often post tips about specific communication strategies - it's a good way to learn.
Good luck!
Jerry Bires
career coach
75
Answers
Carbondale, Illinois
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Alasia,
First, there will be many fine answers here for you to review and I hope to not offer repetitive advice.
Truly, you are experiencing what I, and about 50 million others on planet Earth also have gone through at your age in their lives. Life and career decision-making is not cookie-cutter and uncertainty may tend to necessitate fluidity. So be market savvy and flexible; your career exploration and progression may last decades.
Now to reality.
I hope the employment forecast for crisis communications/political PR specialists shows growth. Does it?
Do you want to work for an agency, as a corporate PR employee, in government? What's future employment look like in those sectors?.
As my LinkedIn profile shows, my PR days were in the tech sector. Other respondents will know so much more about crisis PR and can provide you with strategic advice.
I just want to give you one tactical pointer: Learn how to write a press release. Please. Editors will love you. It tells others you know your craft. And if you ever find yourself promoting a product, this will get you coverage more easily. .
Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how it may affect your future work opportunities.
One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically.
Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
Good fortune to you moving forward.
First, there will be many fine answers here for you to review and I hope to not offer repetitive advice.
Truly, you are experiencing what I, and about 50 million others on planet Earth also have gone through at your age in their lives. Life and career decision-making is not cookie-cutter and uncertainty may tend to necessitate fluidity. So be market savvy and flexible; your career exploration and progression may last decades.
Now to reality.
I hope the employment forecast for crisis communications/political PR specialists shows growth. Does it?
Do you want to work for an agency, as a corporate PR employee, in government? What's future employment look like in those sectors?.
As my LinkedIn profile shows, my PR days were in the tech sector. Other respondents will know so much more about crisis PR and can provide you with strategic advice.
I just want to give you one tactical pointer: Learn how to write a press release. Please. Editors will love you. It tells others you know your craft. And if you ever find yourself promoting a product, this will get you coverage more easily. .
Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how it may affect your future work opportunities.
One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically.
Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
Good fortune to you moving forward.