Public Relations

Description: Public relations specialists serve as advocates for clients seeking to build and maintain positive relationships with the public. Public relations specialists draft press releases and contact people in media who might print or broadcast their material.

Knowledge Required: Public relations, journalism, marketing, communications

Skills: Strong communication skills are essential. Courses in advertising, business administration, finance, political science, psychology, sociology, and creative writing also are helpful.

Career Path: Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and post secondary programs leading to a degree in public relations, usually in a journalism or communications department. A public relations internship or similar experience is key for finding employment.

Best Cities for this job: Public relations specialists are concentrated in large cities, where press services and other communications facilities are readily available and where many businesses and trade associations have their headquarters. Many public relations consulting firms, for example, are in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Median Annual Income: National: $59,370 CA: $66,690

Future Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster than average job growth with tough competition for entry level positions.

Did you know? The types of clients for whom PR people work include the government, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, specific industries, corporations, athletic teams, entertainment companies, and even countries.