Public Relations Manager: what they do, how to become one, and where to study

The role of a Public Relations Manager is that of a storyteller, strategizing to craft positive narratives around organizations, products, or people. They are responsible for creating and maintaining a favorable public image for their employer or client. They do this by communicating programs, accomplishments, and/or points of view. By the way, recently the ProfGuide career guidance center has developed a precise career orientation test, which will tell you which professions are suitable for you, provide a conclusion about your personality type and intelligence.

Specializations

Public Relations Managers can specialize in various fields depending on the industry they are in or the nature of the organizations they serve. Key areas of specialization include:

• Corporate Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Government Public Affairs
• Celebrity Publicity
• Non-Profit Public Relations

Tasks and responsibilities

Public Relations Managers have diverse duties, which may include:

• Developing and implementing PR strategies.
• Organizing and coordinating promotional events.
• Preparing press releases and handling media interactions.
• Managing company reputation and crisis management situations.
• Overseeing social media PR strategies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Diverse and exciting work environment.
2. Creativity and strategic thinking are valued.
3. Good networking opportunities.
4. High impact role in an organization.

Cons

1. Can be high-pressure and stressful.
2. Long working hours.
3. Subject to public criticism.
4. Crisis management can be challenging.

Demand

Public Relations Managers are in high demand in countries such as the USA, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia due to the role they play in shaping public perception and managing reputation for organizations across different industries.

Salary ranges

Average annual salaries for Public Relations Managers are:

• USA: $115,000
• Canada: CAD 95,000
• Great Britain: £50,000
• Australia: AUD 100,000

Where do Public Relations Managers work?

Public Relations Managers work across a wide spectrum of industries, from corporate to non-profit organizations. They are needed in any establishment that needs to manage its reputation and communicate with a broad audience.

Important qualities of a successful Public Relations Manager

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong networking capabilities.
• Crisis management skills.
• Strategic thinking.
• Creative problem-solving skills.

Step-by-step career path

1. Obtain a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
2. Secure an internship in public relations.
3. Work in entry-level PR or communications role.
4. Pursue a Master's degree or professional certification in PR (optional).
5. Gain experience and progress into a PR Manager role.

How to become a Public Relations Manager

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, or communications is required. Higher education in the form of a Master's degree can offer more job prospects. Work experience, often in the form of internships, is also valuable.

Where to become a Public Relations Manager

Here are examples of institutions in the USA, Canada, GB, and Australia that offer degrees or courses in Public Relations:

USA:

1. University of Southern California
2. Boston University
3. George Washington University
4. Syracuse University
5. University of Texas at Austin

Canada:

1. University of Toronto
2. Ryerson University
3. Western University
4. University of Ottawa

Great Britain:

1. University of Leeds
2. Cardiff University
3. University of Sheffield
4. University of Stirling
5. University of Westminster

Australia:

1. University of Sydney
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of Queensland
4. Monash University
5. University of New South Wales

Can you enter the profession with a different degree?

Yes, it is possible to enter the PR profession with a different degree, such as in Business, Marketing, or English. However, some understanding of communications and media relations is important, which can be gained through work experience or internships.