Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

On the job, you would:

• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
• Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.

Education

• bachelor's degree

Communications

• multimedia

Arts and Humanities

• English language

Business

• customer service
• management

Engineering and Technology

• computers and electronics

Basic Skills

• listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
• talking to others

Social

• understanding people's reactions
• changing what is done based on other people's actions

Problem Solving

• noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Enterprising

People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.

• Attention to Detail
• Integrity
• Initiative
• Dependability
• Persistence
• Adaptability/Flexibility

Verbal

• listen and understand what people say
• communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

• notice when problems happen
• use rules to solve problems