CTE Career Catalog - Public Relationship Specialist

Public Relationship Specialist

Job Desription

Public Relationship Specialists create and maintain a positive image for the clients they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape the public's perception. They also work to increase the awareness of the client's work and goals.

Salary average: $67,440 in May 2022

Occupational Outlook

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. A bachelor of arts in mass communication with a focus on public relations.

University of Kentucky

Address: Lexington, Ky

Website: https://www.uky.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.uky.edu/academics/bachelors/college-communication-and-information/communication

Northern Kentucky University

Address: Highland Heights, Ky

Website: https://www.nku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.nku.edu/content/www/academics/informatics/programs/undergraduate/communicationstudies.html

Murray State University

Address: Murray, Ky

Website: https://www.murraystate.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.murraystate.edu/programs/cob/jmc-pr.aspx

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Honesty
Knowledge and research
Relationship-building skills
Multi-tasking in a high pressure work environment
Attention to detail
Adapts to change
Strategic thinking
Social media savvy
Write well
Presentation skills
International mindset

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Adobe Creative Cloud SMicrosoft Office Apps - Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook Email
Knowledge of Google Apps - Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
Knowledge or willingness to learn collegiate course software such as Canvas or Blackboard.
Prowly, BuzzStream, Augure, Muck Rack, etc.

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

You get to work with social media.
You build a large network.
Potential to work remotely.

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

It can be a very competitive career.
This field can come with a lot of stress.
Less direct influence over your campaign’s success. No matter how much effort you put in, results aren’t guaranteed.

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Work in offices during regular business hours
Travel to deliver speeches and attend meetings and community activities.
Work in high-stress environments
Manage and organize several events at the same time.

Career Researched By: Kiitan Adedeji