How can I get into the PR business, I have none experience on PR,?

Question

but have several years of experience in journalism. Do I have to practice alot on public relations writing, and prepare answers for how to plan promotion strategies etc.

Answer 1

While you do not have direct PR experience you certainly have gained some trasferrable skills from your journalism training and experience. At this point I would suggest you may not be ready to begin applying for PR jobs and positions. But you are definitely ready to lay the groundwork.

So, how to do that? Well, my advice is to set up information meetings with those currently employed in the field. During these meetings you really need to dig deep and investigate the field. Learn what skills are specifically needed for success. Learn what a typical day, week and month are like. Learn what makes people who are currently in the field successful. With each meeting ask for someone else that you might talk to to learn more. This will provide you with some warm leads.

When employing this approach it is very important that you are clear in stating that you are not currently looking for employment, but rather looking to learn more about the field. People love to talk about themselves and tell their personal stories, so use this to your advantage as you investigate the field. Find those who have won local awards and recognitions. It will take some research, but you will be able to find this information, I promise.

After you have done some thorough investigation through your information meetings you will then be a point where you can assess whether your skill set can be applied directly to the field. If so, then you will begin applying for positions and earnestly starting to seek out and apply for positions.

If not, you will need continue building and enhancing your skill base. This might be achieved through additional education, volunteer work or other. Local religious organizations and non-profits always will accept volunteers. Perhaps you will help promote a local town festival or charity drive. Whatever the case, smartly build your portfolio to show that you are focusing toward the next step in your career. You will get there, just be honest with yourself as you assess whether or not you currently have the skill set needed before you embark on the application process.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

In your time as a journalist, you must have bumped into some PR people. Talk to one of them and do a little networking about possible jobs. If you have a journalism background, you should have the skills you need for PR work.

I was an editor at a trade magazine for several years and worked with many good and bad PR people. My overall impression is that this sort of PR work is a necessary grind, churning out endless gushing press releases on products and installations. There's little glamorous about it and there is a LOT of hard work in the months before and after major conventions. (Hard work is not a bad thing, of course. Just don't think that PR work is easy.)

One final thing: As a male observer, it's my impression that the PR ranks are filled mostly with attractive women. Not all, certainly, but a large majority. I don't know your gender but if you're a guy looking to meet good-looking women, going into the PR business is an interesting move. If you are a woman, prepare to look your best when you step out in public -- the competition is pretty fierce.