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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

What can I do with a major in public relations?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Companies:
Katz Media Group
State Farm
Research and Marketing Strategies, Inc.
Wainscot Media

Titles:
Product Marketing Specialist
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Marketing & PR Assistant
Social Media Consultant

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 950
Employers in US: 8,557

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Account Management
Areas

Issues Management
Counseling
Employee or Member Relations
Media Relations
Research

Employers

Public relations firms (Representing various private and public organizations and institutions, individuals, and events.)
PR departments in large corporations

Sample occupations

Strengthen verbal communication skills by taking speech communication courses.
Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in business and marketing.
Acquire an internship with a PR firm.
Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up to higher positions.
Consider a master's degree in PR for higher level positions, especially at the executive level.
Learn to work well with teams.

Media
Areas

Reporting
Advertising Sales
Writing and Editing

Employers

Newspapers
Online news providers
Television
Radio

Sample occupations

Develop the ability to work under the pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Get a summer job or internship with a newspaper, TV or radio station.
Work with college newspaper staff or radio station.
Develop strong computer skills and learn applications related to web page design.
Obtain experience in the area of sales.
Get involved with national and campus professional associations.

Public Affairs
Areas

Government Relations
Risk and Crisis Communication
Campaign Marketing and Fundraising
World Affairs and Diplomacy
Media Relations

Employers

Government agencies (local, state,& federal)
Chambers of commerce and tourism councils
Foreign embassies
Campaign committees, coalitions, initiatives, and networks

Sample occupations

Secure federal internships in a field of interest.
Develop strong research and writing skills.
Get experience with student government or political campaigns.
Consider graduate programs in Public Policy/Affairs.
Develop foreign language skills.
Enhance language skills and cultural understanding through study abroad programs.
Gain experience by volunteering with organizations that provide assistance to various cultural groups.

Business and Industry
Areas

Advertising Sales
Sales
Training and Development
Human Resources
Customer Service
Management
Direct Marketing

Employers

Public and private corporations
Consulting firms
Marketing companies
Internet marketers
Sport and athletic organizations
Retail stores

Sample occupations

Take general business and computer courses.
Consider earning a graduate degree in business.
Gain experience in organizational development or marketing.
Become current with business and industry literature and news.
Obtain sales and marketing experience.
Work within college sports administration and marketing.

Non-profit and Education
Areas

Public Relations
Fundraising
Promotion
Event Planning
Service Marketing
Advertising Sales
Administration
Community Affairs

Employers

Museums
Charities and foundations (i.e. within the areas of environment, arts, multicultural initiatives, religion, and health)
Hospitals and healthcare providers
Colleges and universities
Social service agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Professional associations

Sample occupations

Get experience through volunteering for non-profit agencies, museums, and charities.
Obtain internships with non-profit organizations.
Gain experience planning events for campus organizations.
Consider additional degrees such as MPH (Master of Public Health) to enhance employability.
Get sales experience.

General information and strategies

  • Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Obtain part-time, summer job, internship, or volunteer experience within an area of interest. Public relations is a competitive field and related experience is essential to break into the industry.
  • Many graduates start at the bottom and work up to positions of greater responsibility. You will likely have to complete administrative tasks in entry-level jobs.
  • Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to develop skills. Join on-campus and national professional associations related to public relations.
  • Obtain additional or advanced degrees to enhance knowledge of specific area of interests. For instance, a Master's degree in Public Policy (MPP) will increase employability in government and non-profit agencies.
  • The PR campaign class is an important and beneficial learning experience.
  • Enhance writing skills through additional coursework in business and marketing.
  • Gain experience in organizational development or marketing.
  • Become current with business and industry literature and news.