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Public Relations Specialists

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.

Median pay: $69,780; per year
10-year outlook: +4.8%; Stable
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Key skills

Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Time Management

What they do

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.
Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.

Majors that lead here

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.