Occupation Profile for Public Relations Specialists

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Engage in promoting or creating good will for individuals, groups, or organizations by writing or selecting favorable publicity material and releasing it through various communications media. May prepare and arrange displays, and make speeches.

Signficant Points

  • Although employment is projected to grow faster than average, keen competition is expected for entry-level jobs.
  • Opportunities should be best for college graduates who combine a degree in public relations, journalism, or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience.
  • The ability to communicate effectively is essential.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, and public interest groups.
  • Core — Prepare or edit organizational publications for internal and external audiences, including employee newsletters and stockholders' reports.
  • Core — Respond to requests for information from the media or designate another appropriate spokesperson or information source.
  • Core — Study the objectives, promotional policies and needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products and services.
  • Core — Plan and direct development and communication of informational programs to maintain favorable public and stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments and agenda.

Activities

  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.