Graduate degree?

Question

I'm getting a masters degree in public relations. I don't have any experience other than internships. Will I have a problem getting a job in my field? Where are the best jobs in U.S?

Answer 1

What kind of Public Relations are you interested in?

Off hand I can think of these.

1. Show business, entertainment, sports.

2. Corporate

3. Politics

4. Public interest group (e.g., Sierra Club, National Rifle Assn., Red Cross, National Endowment for the Arts).

5. Independent consultants.

I'm sure that you can think of more categories.

Pick the type of industry and area of the country that you'd like to live.

Pick some possible employers in that area and industry. (e.g., if you are interested in working for a music producer, pick say 3 of your favorite labels as a start and target their cities).

Research them.

Put together an outline of a PR campaign (or on an issue). Send them your resume and the outline, possibly a PowerPoint (or similar) presentation. Keep it short. No more than 4 or 5 slides. Give them punch, don't bury them in detail.

If you are any good, then the outline/presentation will show them a sample of your work and make you stand out from the rest.

If you are good at public speaking, give them a 3 minute promo of yourself on a DVD. Think PROFESSIONAL. You are going into public relations. Your a product. Sell yourself first.

Don't forget to use your college's placement office, professors and library for help.

Big cities would be the best for getting a job. But it could lock you into a slow-growth environment with regard to your career. A midsized company probably offers you the best chance to both get a job and have room for growth.

Beware of family-run companies. If you aren't kin, then you might not get the promotions you deserve.

Answer 2

You can always check with the companies you did your internship with (networking). See if those companies are hiring. If they are not hiring speak to someone (within the company you did your intern) to see if they know of any companies that are looking for public relations majors. Networking is the name of the game.