A great day is a day where I am able to deal with several high level decisions/events. Possibly a VIP visit, possibly meetings with Congressional delegation, speaking to a group of International VIPs from Foreign Governments. At the end of the day, its about having the opportunity to share with somebody else about the National Park Service or Grand Canyon.
CAREER
Public Relations Specialists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$62,800
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+8.1% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Public Relations Specialists Do
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Other Job Titles Public Relations Specialists May Have
Communications Specialist, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I spend a lot of time listening to stories and news of the industry and then deciding which of those stories I want to share. I'll read a lot of news, watch videos, and research to find out what's going on in the world and what's resonating with people. Then, I decide how I want to tell those stories. For example, I'll design a poster to share an important message. I also work on outreach opportunities. I'll spend time meeting face-to-face with our members and sharing the great work that we do.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Public Relations Specialists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (91%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Sports Communication
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Certification / License
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Be comfortable with public speaking. Political savviness, strong writing skills, quick thinking, and the ability to make decisions efficiently are essential.
I think working in outside sales or jobs where you interface with the public and clients is so important because you will always need to know how to relate to people. I also think having a background in social media and having knowledge in the online world is so helpful because that is important in most careers nowadays.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
You need an undergraduate degree for this work at Capital One. English and Math are critical, and any class that allows you to think critically, challenge norms and allows you to test, learn, fail and move on will be incredibly helpful. Keep grades up starting in middle school as college will be more accessible and cost less (you can get scholarships) if you maintain strong grades and attendance. Give back to others, and make a difference as you never know whose life you'll touch.
Write as much as possible!
Politics is the art of persuasion. It is essential that you listen to others and understand their arguments and point of views in order to articulate your own. Be a consumer of information, a global citizen, and an avid reader.
Read a lot--it can be anything. This includes fiction, non-fiction, magazines, other journals.
High School Students
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
