Anyone work in public relations? Pros and cons?

[GirlBye]

your thoughts on the career? regrets?

 

is it hard to get in if you don't have a degree in a related field? (history major but have done journalism internships)

 

pay alright?

 

thanks

 

[Hunter]

I worked as an intern in a PR firm right after undergrad. So I don't really know if that counts, but I can PM you all about it if anything.

[GirlBye]

I worked as an intern in a PR firm right after undergrad. So I don't really know if that counts, but I can PM you all about it if anything.

yes please!!

 

<3

[wiaraewiwiarae]

I worked as a PR manager. No related degree, I was headhunted from another position.

 

Personally I didn't enjoy it whatsoever and wouldn't ever work in that field. I was dealing with clients in my previous position, and let me tell you, even the worst client I had was infinitely better than the journalists I had to deal with. Of course I wouldn't project my experience on every single PR job in every single industry and every single country - I assume it varies a lot.

 

The job itself is not that difficult, but the result is difficult to predict which is a minus for me, but can be a plus for some people, I guess. Qualities needed: ability to write decently, great people skills which includes both ability to build relationships fast and good knowledge of psychology (assuming internal communication is part of the job), persistence - there will be a lot of repeating tasks which gets dull very fast.

 

Certainly not a job for people who have any type of anxiety/difficulties connected to people's ability to reach out to complete strangers freely both in person and via phone/email, often repeatedly.

 

My pay was good, overall the pay is average compared to other careers.

[orphan]

I used to work in the corporate governance dept in a regional bank before I went to MnA.

 

 

 

Public relations could also be dealing with various stakeholders other than journalists. You would need to possess effective communication skills. A thick skin and self confidence. First impression matters because all these various stakeholders only have that first 3 seconds to form an impression of you and your self worth. Are you an asset or a hindrance?

 

You could be engaging with business or trade magazines editors to negotiate an editorial piece for your organisation newly launched banking product or you could be releasing an internal news release to the bank's various shareholders to vote on an extraordinary general meeting or EGM and help to organise that EGM.

 

You would work closely with the legals dept and compliance dept especially during a PR crisis or any industry rumours that could have any adverse effect on the organization and it's major key players.

 

Day to day may seemed mundane. You would be drowned in emails and phone calls at certain times. In my own experience, during product launch and directors'changing helm.

 

I missed those days tbh. Hopefully you would have a blissful career as a PR practitioner.

 

Oh by the way, if you do decide on such a career path, it's good to research on the industry you are interested in. Who are the related ministry, industry players, the related editorials, etc. Know your shit and be open to learn on the job and from more experienced seniors.

 

Join a PR practitioner social club or gathering or business mixer. It's always good to expand your networking reach.

 

Think of it as a little ass kissing but with substance.