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Public Relations Specialist

Occupation Information table
Overview: Public relations specialists help organizations build and maintain a positive image and relationship with the public. They formulate the message themes and communications to be announced at events such as professional conferences, business and political gatherings.
Duties: They determine what the goals, management philosophy, products, services and role of an organization are. Determine what kind of an image should be portrayed based on their characteristics.

They propose advertising and communication themes to reflect the image desired by the organization. Confer with executives to get their concurrence.

Manage writers and artists who create the advertising materials and exhibits used to communicate the organization's themes. Advise the organization's architects about the image desired.

They design and conduct surveys of the organization's customers, clients and the general public to measure the extent their opinions are in agreement with the desired image.
Degree(s): A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
A.A.S. Management: Marketing Concentration 
A.S. Business Administration (Accounting and Marketing) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $30,000 to $35,000
Green: Green Career
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: For public relations positions, many employers prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in public relations or journalism. The study program should include courses in advertising, business administration, public affairs, political science, and creative and technical writing.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Persuading and influencing others to change their attitudes, behavior, and/or opinions.
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.