Do You Need a Degree to Be a PR Specialist?
Although there are a variety of careers that an individual could pursue to attain personal and professional success, becoming a PR specialist can be particularly advantageous. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that pay is competitive and PR specialists have the opportunity to expand their skill set and thereby climb rank within their companies. If you are thinking about becoming a PR specialist, you may be interested in gaining more information about the field. By asking questions like whether or not you have to attain a degree in order to operate within this career sector, you can determine whether it is right for you.
PR Specialists-The Basics
Although broadly defined, a PR specialist is basically an individual who communicates with the general public for organizations, governments, or companies. PR specialists are often referred to as media or communications specialists. The primary function the PR specialist serves is to relay the message of the employer or client to the public. Oftentimes, the message is relayed through the media. To make this happen, a PR specialist might write material for a media release. PR specialists might also direct and plan public relations programs or raise funds on behalf of the organizations they represent.
PR Specialists-Educational Requirements
If you are interested in becoming a PR specialist, you should think critically about the educational requirements involved. As Dawn Rosenberg McKay points out in her article “Public Relations Specialist: Career Specialist,” there are “no standard educational requirements for working as a public relations specialist…” However, McKay goes on to point out that “employers prefer to hire job candidates who have college degrees and some experience.” Yet even though an employer might hire an individual with a bachelor’s degree, she or he may require that the new hire partake in on-the-job training that can last anywhere from one week to one year.
In recognizing that most employers would prefer to hire a PR specialist with a bachelor’s degree, you should think critically about which subject to major in at the undergraduate level. While there is not one specific major that a prospective PR specialist must select, there are several that could prove advantageous. For example, pursuing a degree in Communications could be very helpful given that doing so provides you with a skill set that is comparable to the tasks required to fulfill the job of a PR specialist. This is the case since the primary role of the PR specialist is to communicate with the public. Individuals interested in attaining a bachelor’s degree to become a PR specialist might also consider a degree in Public Relations. Some courses one might take while attaining the degree include Writing for Public Relations, Public Relations Campaign Planning, and Electronic Public Relations.
PR Specialist-Job Outlook
If you are thinking about becoming a PR specialist, you should know that the job outlook for the occupation is favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for a PR specialist is expected to be 21%. This is faster than the national average.
Conclusion
When you begin contemplating what type of career path to pursue, you should know that becoming a PR specialist can be very advantageous for you. By analyzing the information above, you can determine whether or not pursuing a career in this field is right for you. Good luck!
