Helpful Tips To Get You Into A PR Career

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Tips for Starting a Career in Public Relations

College students can prepare for entry into the public relations field by doing some or all of the following:

• Consider writing intensive majors such as English, Journalism, Communications or Marketing.
• Develop and promote a blog on a topic of interest.
• Develop and document your writing/communication credentials by working for campus newspapers, magazines and tv stations.
• Work as a public relations coordinator for campus organizations.

• Land a student job in offices where the college is promoted or events are organized like the college's media relations/communications department, sports information office, admissions, events or alumni affairs offices.
• Pursue positions with student clubs where you can organize concerts, speakers, fashion shows and other events.

• Conduct informational interviews with PR professionals through alumni/family contacts and professionals in your home area.
• Ask professionals if you can job shadow them during school breaks.
• Complete internships with PR firms, communication departments, media outlets and/or marketing firms. Contact small local firms near your school or home through local chambers of commerce as well as targeting big name firms.
• Join the Public Relations Student Society of America to learn more about the field, identify mentors and internships as well as to demonstrate your professional interest.
• Consider starting your career with a paid post-graduate internship.

By preparing in these ways you'll distinguish yourself from the competition and lay the foundation for a rewarding career in public relations.