Public relations entry level jobs can be a good option for students looking to get into the advertising field and gain some experience in writing, digital marketing, media relations and more. If you’re looking for entry level jobs in PR then check out these top 10 companies for PR internships and entry level positions.
INTRODUCTION
The field of public relations is a dynamic one, with more opportunities for new businesses starting up every day. While many people think that only large companies have the need for PR work, the reality is that most new businesses go through some semblance of a PR campaign as they try to get their product or brand known to consumers. People who succeed in this field often decide to make it their career, and there are plenty of entry level jobs available for those who are interested.
What Are Entry Level Jobs for a Public Relations Career?
Entry level jobs in public relations (PR) support the more visible public relations officers, account managers, spokespeople and lobbyists. Interns, PR specialists, media specialists, research analysts and research associates do the legwork necessary for a successful PR campaign. Read on to learn more about these entry-level careers.View Schools
Career Options
In addition to PR agencies, places like corporations, educational institutions, charitable organizations, lobby groups and government agencies all require skilled public relations staff. Entry level jobs in this field often require a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a communications-related field like journalism or English. The following are some entry-level career options you can pursue.
Important Facts About Public Relations Specialists
| PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST | RESEARCH ANALYST OR ASSOCIATE | |
|---|---|---|
| On-the-Job Training | None | Typically required |
| Key Skills | Interpersonal, organizational, speaking and writing skills | Active listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking and problem solving skills |
| Similar Occupations | Advertising and marketing managers, editors, event planners | Market research analysts, statistical assistants |
| Work Environment | In addition to PR firms, these professionals often work in civic organizations or educational institutions | Research and development services, schools, government, consulting services |
Public Relations Intern
While internships are not always paid positions, being an intern is a common entry point for careers in public relations. Depending on the company or organization, interns have a variety of job duties. Monitoring TV and print media coverage of the company, organization or agency clients is a common task delegated to PR interns, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov. Other duties include writing and distributing press releases, chaperoning visitors on tours of the facilities, answering phones and directing media inquiries to the appropriate account manager.
PayScale.com reported that most paid PR interns earned between $35,000 and $48,000 annually as of March, 2021. The median annual wage was $43,676, while the median hourly pay was $14.31 an hour.
Public Relations Specialist
Although some news release preparation is given to interns in PR offices that have them, the bulk of the press release writing is the task of the PR specialist. These professionals may also organize events or lectures by high-profile speakers to draw media attention to the organization, according to BLS. The BLS notes that a bachelor’s degree is usually required for this career. In addition to working in an office, a PR specialist may have to travel.
According to the BLS, there will be 7% job growth for PR specialists over the 2019-2029 decade. In addition, graduates will experience a lot of competition. In May 2020, the BLS reported an average wage of $71,940 for all public relations specialists, with most working in the advertising, public relations and related services industry and earning $83,200 on average.
Research Analyst or Associate
PR careers in politics often begin with volunteer work on a campaign. Entry-level positions within the political arena are research analysts, issue analysts and research associates, says the career services office of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. The duties of each job title are similar: gathering relevant data and making it useful to the senior PR officers and acting as spokespeople for a campaign or lobby group.
O*Net OnLine groups research analysts and research associates with social science research assistants (www.onetonline.org). The BLS reports that these professionals will experience a faster-than-average job growth from 2019 through 2029 and that an associate’s degree is usually needed for entry-level jobs. The average wage for social science research assistants was $53,560 in May 2020, with most making salaries between $31,090 and $81,280. Industry-specific average wages included $55,980 for social advocacy organizations, $48,870 for local government and $50,330 for higher education institutions.
A degree in public relations equips you with the strong communication and promotional skills needed to manage the reputation of important clients and influence media opinion
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Advertising account executive
- Advertising copywriter
- Event manager
- Marketing executive
- Media researcher
- Public affairs consultant
- Public relations officer
- Sales promotion account executive
- Social media manager
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Broadcast journalist
- Charity fundraiser
- Personal assistant
- Policy officer
- Politician’s assistant
- PPC specialist
Work experience
PR is a competitive field to get into and pre-entry experience in PR, communications, marketing and media is highly desirable.
Take advantage of any work placements on your course to develop your skills and knowledge, and to build a network of contacts for future potential opportunities.
You could look for internships or work placements with PR agencies working on behalf of many clients or with organisations with a strong brand image in industries such as fashion, cars and beauty.
Paid work experience can be hard to find, so volunteering in a PR or related role with a charity, for example, is also a good way to prove your ability and strengthen employment applications. There may also be opportunities with university societies to get involved with planning events, writing press releases and contacting media outlets.
The PR industry is fast paced and always looking for talented graduates. Try to find work experience opportunities with a variety of companies. You’ll gain different experiences of client representation and learn industry protocols, including communicating with the media, managing client issues, developing brand image and the most important aspect of PR – protecting the client’s reputation.
Related case studies
Typical employers
Typical employers include PR consultancies, which provide an independent service to several client organisations, often working with very different market sectors. Consultancies vary in size, from large international firms with offices throughout the world to small local firms who may specialise in a specific area such as fashion, beauty, music, sport, healthcare or finance. Larger consultancies are likely to have a wider client base, ranging from law firms to builders’ merchants.
You could also work for an in-house department, working exclusively for one company or organisation in the public, private, charity and not-for-profit sectors.
Other employers of PR graduates include:
- advertising firms and creative agencies
- event organisers
- marketing agencies
- media communication organisations
- political organisations
- public affairs companies.
It’s also possible to use your skills in wider communication roles in areas such as HR, education, management and public service.
Find information on employers in marketing, advertising and PR, media and internet, hospitality and events management and other job sectors.
Employers hiring public relations graduates now
Communications & MarketingTPPLeedsOver £37,001Communications & Marketing (Mandarin Speaker)TPPLeedsOver £37,001Technical Systems AdministratorTPPLeeds£27,001-£29,500View more marketing, advertising and PR jobs
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Skills for your CV
Studying public relations gives you professional knowledge and practical skills in client management, media communication and ethical practice.
Identifying your achievements from work experience opportunities or assignments could help you match your relevant skills and strengths for specific roles and types of clients.
Employers will be looking for skills and potential in areas including:
- communication skills – strong written, oral, visual and presentation ability
- managing pressure – dealing with issues and crises
- event and project skills – planning, managing and leading a public relations function
- technology skills – understanding how to use social media channels and technology for PR
- business awareness – knowing how business and PR work together effectively
- media skills – having the ability to communicate with journalists and broadcasters while managing a client’s reputation
- organisation skills – managing your own and client schedules.
Further study
Some graduates go on to study for a Masters degree in public relations or related areas such as international public relations, global communications management, strategic communications and corporate communications. These courses enable graduates to look in depth at the role of PR in business, politics or client management.
Professional courses accredited by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) are useful for career development. Courses are available at different levels and in different areas of PR. Taking CIPR qualifications forms part of the process for gaining Chartered PR Practitioner status with the CIPR.
Through further study you can develop industry contacts and networks. This is an important part of progressing your PR career.
For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search for postgraduate courses in public relations.
What do public relations graduates do?
More than half (58%) of public relations graduates are employed as public relations (37%) or marketing associate professionals (20%) fifteen months after graduation.
| Destination | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employed | 77.9 |
| Further study | 3.8 |
| Working and studying | 5.6 |
| Unemployed | 7.5 |
| Other | 5.2 |
Graduate destinations for public relations
| Type of work | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Marketing, PR and sales | 69.4 |
| Retail, catering and customer service | 10.4 |
| Clerical, secretarial and administrative | 5.4 |
| Managers | 5.4 |
| Other | 9.6 |
CONCLUSION
From start to finish, writing articles for blogs is a great way for those looking for PR work to get their foot in the door. You’ll be able to write about what you’re passionate about, as well as gain valuable marketing skills as you need to find your own clients/audience. If this sounds like it might be something you’re interested in,
