2000 Business subject sub_topic Public relations is the protection, organization, and support of businesses, nonprofit associations, universities, hospitals, and pretty much every organization through building and maintaining of positive relationships with the public. PR specialists work as advocates for their client companies and are usually responsible for shaping the public image and responding to changing consumer trends. Public relations jobs include PR specialist, advertising manager, marketing manager, promotions, and sales manager. To learn more about education in public relations, <b>request free information packets</b> from the schools listed below. 0 1 1 2110 <p>Those in public relations are dedicated to representing and promoting their company to the public in a positive light. How the company is perceived by the public will make or break the company. This is true in all industries from political government campaigning to non-profit organizations. </p> <p>By obtaining a PR degree, you are securing your future in a number of different fields. No matter what type of business you are in, including health, politics, education, finance, entertainment, there is most likely a public relations sector. In addition to this, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are nearly 7,000 firms that specialize in public relations located across the country. A public relations degree will fast track your career into the thriving world of public relations. </p> <b>Educational Requirements</b> <p>Many colleges offer an online public relations degree at both the bachelor’s and the master’s level. This is the best way to guarantee a successful career in public relations. However, it is not the only way. Many people succeed in the field of public relations with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in communication studies, accounting, economics, marketing, management and/or entrepreneurship. The most important aspect of public relations is protecting and promoting a positive image for the company you are representing. </p> <p>An online public relations degree will teach all of the diverse skills needed to succeed in public relations, no matter which industry you choose. Some of the courses include public relations principals, business management and administration and computer graphics. Because communication plays such a vital role in public relation, writing and public speaking, desktop publishing, news releases, proposals, annual reports, visual communications, researching and survey design are also included in the public relations degree program. </p> <p>By obtaining your public relations degree online, you will have the freedom and flexibility to continue to work and study at your own leisure. So, no matter what your schedule demands, you can still receive a higher education in Public Relations and achieve your career goals. </p> <b>Career Opportunities and Salary Expectancy</b> <p>There are several different careers related to the field of public relations. The most common careers include a public relations specialist and public relation managers. However, there are also career opportunities in advertising, sales, marketing and promotions. </p> <p>A public relation specialist is one of the most common careers in the field of public relations. They handle the organizational functions including press conferences and media coverage but are also involved in following the financial aspects and the changing consumer trends. They must have a firm understanding of the consumer, industry, employee, investor, community and government relations. </p> <p>Public relation specialists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, made a median wage of $57,100 in 2007. However, those in the District of Columbia who most likely specialize in Government PR made an average of over $90,000 last year. Over 35 per cent of all PR specialists work in the advertising sector and averaged over $65,000. </p> <p>Public relations managers are in charge of supervising the PR specialists. However, they also evaluate advertising and promotional programs, observe social, economic and political trends and make recommendations to enhance the company’s image based on these trends. Other duties include drafting speeches, arranging interviews, overseeing company archives, handling special events and parties and gaining positive attention from the public without the direct use of advertisements. </p> <p>Public relations managers in the advertising, government and education sectors made a staggering annual mean of $97,000 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In states such as the District of Columbia, New York and California, some PR managers averaged well over $135,000 last year. </p> <b>A Promising Future</b> <p>The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be increased competition in the near future when it comes to entry level public relations careers. This is why higher education is essential to your career. Work experience, excellent communication skills and internships will also increase your chance of gaining entry into the fast paced world of public relations. </p> <p>However, for those with higher education and experience, the future for public relation is looking very bright. The Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that, in 2006, there were approximately 450,000 people working as PR specialists, PR managers and promotional managers. This number is expected to increase between 12 and 18 per cent by 2016. </p> <p>Furthermore, public relations are a multi-billion dollar global industry with career opportunities all over the world. According to Toni Muzi Falconi from the Institute of Public Relations, the global impact of public relations was estimated at $130-230 billion in 2005. The USA accounts for $48 billion of this annual impact. So, no matter where you choose to pursue your career in public relations, as long as you achieve the proper education, the possibilities are limitless. </p> <b>Article Resources</b><br/><br/> Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations and Sales Managers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics <br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm"target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm</a><br/><br/> Public Relations Specialists from the Bureau of Labor Statistics<br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.htm"target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.htm</a><br/><br/> Falconi, Tonie Muzi. Institute of Public Relations<br/> <a href="http://www.instituteforpr.org/files/uploads/Falconi_Nov06.pdf "target="_blank">http://www.instituteforpr.org/files/uploads/Falconi_Nov06.pdf </a><br/><br/> US Census Bureau<br/> <a href="http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFEconFacts?_event=&geo_id=01000US&_geoContext=01000US&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=bg&pgsl=010&_submenuId=business_2&ds_name=&_ci_nbr=&qr_name=&reg=%3A&_keyword=&_industry=54182m"target="_blank">http://factfinder.census.gov/</a><br/><br/> public-relations Public Relations Public Relations 2025, 2080, 2005, 2235, 2380, 2540 Public Relations Schools, PR Degrees, Training & Certification 1 0