Discover the best entry-level positions to launch your career in public relations and build foundational skills for success.

Gaining PR experience through entry-level positions: - Internships: Hands-on experience, industry connections. - PR Assistant: Media monitoring, press release writing. - Communications Coordinator: Event coordination, internal communications. - Social Media Manager: Content creation, audience engagement. - Networking: Attend industry events, join PR associations. - Skill Development: Build diverse skills, demonstrate adaptability.

Last updated on Jul 5, 2024

Here's how you can gain experience in public relations through the best entry-level positions.

Embarking on a career in public relations (PR) can be as exciting as it is challenging. To succeed in this dynamic field, gaining practical experience is crucial. Entry-level positions offer a valuable opportunity to understand the industry, develop essential skills, and build a professional network. Whether you're a recent graduate or transitioning from another profession, these roles can provide a solid foundation for a successful PR career. In this article, you'll discover how to leverage the best entry-level jobs to gain the experience you need to thrive in public relations.

1 PR Internships

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Mohammad Zaid

Business Analyst at Borgfy | Venture Studio-Building Tech Ideas | MBA | Digital Health | Mobile Apps
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Gaining PR experience through entry-level positions: - Internships: Hands-on experience, industry connections. - PR Assistant: Media monitoring, press release writing. - Communications Coordinator: Event coordination, internal communications. - Social Media Manager: Content creation, audience engagement. - Networking: Attend industry events, join PR associations. - Skill Development: Build diverse skills, demonstrate adaptability.

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Zulfadli Yusmar

Multiskilled PR & Social Media Strategist | Amplifying Brands with Innovative Campaigns, Media Relations, and Influencer Partnerships
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Based on my experience, starting with a PR internship is an excellent way to gain valuable experience in public relations. As an intern, you'll get hands-on practice writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and assisting with event planning. You'll also learn the details of media relations by pitching stories to journalists and tracking media coverage. Internships provide fantastic networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with professionals in the industry. They offer a real insight into the day-to-day operations of a PR firm or corporate communications department, setting a solid foundation for a successful PR career.

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2 Media Relations

Starting in a media relations role is an excellent way to build a foundation in public relations. You'll be responsible for interacting with journalists, crafting story pitches, and responding to media inquiries. This position is central to PR as it revolves around maintaining and fostering relationships with the media – a core function of any public relations strategy. You'll learn how to communicate effectively and persuasively, skills that are transferable to many other PR roles. Plus, establishing connections with media professionals can be beneficial throughout your career.

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3 Social Media Coordination

As social media continues to be an integral part of public relations strategies, starting as a social media coordinator can provide a unique perspective on brand messaging and audience engagement. In this role, you'll manage social media accounts, create content calendars, and analyze engagement data to refine strategies. This position will help you develop a keen understanding of digital communication trends and the importance of tailoring messages to different platforms and audiences. It's a role that combines creativity with analytical thinking, both of which are essential in PR.

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Chloe Benson

Press Officer at Henley Business School
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Helping companies with their 'owned media' (i.e. social channels, websites etc.) helps develop storytelling skills. Whether you're on LinkedIn, speaking with journalists or even dabbling in internal comms - being able to tell a company's story and learning to adapt messaging to different platforms and audiences essentially underpins all of what you do as a PR professional. Social media is a great place to practice this.

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4 Event Planning

Event planning is another entry point into the PR industry that offers a blend of logistical coordination and public engagement. As an event planner, you'll organize press conferences, product launches, and other promotional events that are critical for brand visibility. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work under pressure. Through event planning, you'll gain insight into how live experiences can shape public perception and contribute to a brand's narrative.

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5 Content Creation

Content creation is at the heart of many PR campaigns, and starting as a content creator can help you hone your storytelling skills. This role involves writing press releases, blog posts, and other materials that convey a brand's message. It's an opportunity to practice writing in different voices and styles, which is crucial for appealing to various audiences. By creating compelling content, you'll learn how to capture attention and communicate key messages effectively – a skill that's invaluable in all areas of public relations.

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6 Corporate Communication

Entry-level positions in corporate communication are ideal for understanding the strategic side of public relations. In this role, you might assist with internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. It's a chance to see how PR functions within larger business objectives and how it can influence company culture and public opinion. By working in corporate communication, you'll develop a strategic mindset and learn how to align communication efforts with business goals.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Erin Browning, MSM

A proven marketing/communications professional with senior leadership experience and engineering and technology expertise. Developing strategic integrated communications programs for technical industries.
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There are so many roles in PR, and if you’re just getting started, I recommend accepting a role that doesn’t limit you to only one area, such as social media, web content, crisis communications, media relations, etc. The more broad experience you can gain early in your career the more options you’ll have in your future. Also, as you gain more experience, the easier it will be for you to determine what you enjoy doing and more importantly, what you don’t enjoy. I also recommend accepting any training you’re offered. Online training is good, but a professional association conference is a unique experience, and I always left conferences excited about using what I’d learned as soon as I could. Lastly, join a professional association.

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Here's how you can gain experience in public relations through the best entry-level positions.

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1 PR Internships

2 Media Relations

3 Social Media Coordination

4 Event Planning

5 Content Creation

6 Corporate Communication

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

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Here's how you can gain experience in public relations through the best entry-level positions.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 PR Internships

2 Media Relations

3 Social Media Coordination

4 Event Planning

5 Content Creation

6 Corporate Communication

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

Rate this article

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