What Can I Do With a Major In Public Relations?

UGA Specific Information for Public Relations

Public Relations (PR) is the strategic art and science of communication, focusing on shaping messages, managing reputation, and fostering relationships between organizations and their publics. PR professionals work to craft compelling narratives, navigate crises, engage audiences, and build trust across various media channels.

Why Choose Public Relations?

A degree in Public Relations equips students with essential skills:

  • Strategic Communication Skills: Crafting effective messages for diverse audiences.

  • Media Relations Expertise: Understanding how news, social media, and digital platforms influence public perception.

  • Problem-Solving & Crisis Management: Navigating challenges to maintain brand trust and reputation.

  • Storytelling & Brand Building: Creating compelling narratives for companies, nonprofits, influencers, and government organizations.

  • Digital & Social Media Knowledge: Managing online presence and leveraging analytics to measure communication impact.

 

Graduates pursue careers across diverse industries, including:

  • Corporate PR: Managing a company's reputation and messaging.

  • Agency PR: Working with multiple clients on branding and communications.

  • Entertainment & Sports PR: Representing high-profile individuals and brands.

  • Government & Nonprofit PR: Promoting causes, policies, and public initiatives.

  • Social Media & Digital Strategy: Engaging audiences through content creation and influencer partnerships.

 

Distinction from Advertising or Marketing: PR focuses on building relationships and managing reputation through earned media and strategic messaging. Advertising and marketing utilize paid placements, centered on promoting products and services.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Public Relations*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

1. Academic & Advising Resources:

 

2. Student Organizations & Extracurriculars:

 

3. Career Development & Experiential Learning:

 

4. Communication & Networking Opportunities:

  • Alumni & Industry Speaker Events: Panels and networking events hosted by Grady College featuring PR professionals and graduates.

  • UGA Mentor Program: Connects students with PR alumni and professionals for mentorship opportunities.

  • Writing Centers & Presentation Coaching: Resources for refining communication skills critical to public relations.

 

5. Campus Media & Digital Platforms:

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

Common Entry-Level Roles: PR Coordinator, Communications Assistant, Social Media Specialist, Media Relations Associate, Content Writer, Account Coordinator

Example Career Progression: PR Coordinator > PR Manager > Director of Communications > VP of Public Relations

Example Career Progression: Account Coordinator > Account Executive > Account Director

 

PR professionals combine creativity with strategic thinking. Employers seek graduates who demonstrate:

  • Strategic Communication & Storytelling

  • Media Relations & Pitching

  • Crisis Communication & Problem-Solving

  • Social Media Management & Analytics

  • Writing, Editing, & Presentation Skills

  • Adaptability & Teamwork

 

The Future of Public Relations: The PR field is rapidly evolving with digital transformation, AI-driven analytics, and emerging media trends. Today's professionals must be adaptable, creative, and data-savvy, blending traditional communication with innovative storytelling techniques. Key trends include AI-driven media monitoring and analytics, influencer and digital PR strategies, crisis communication in a 24/7 news cycle, and purpose-driven and ethical communication.

 

Portfolio Requirement: A writing portfolio is highly recommended. It should include press releases, media pitches, campaign summaries, and social media content.

Typical Starting Salaries: Entry-level PR roles typically range from $40,000–$55,000, depending on location and industry.

 

Representation in PR

The PR industry values diverse perspectives and inclusive communication. Explore these resources:

Additional Career Research Resources

1. Industry Career Outlook & Employment Trends:

 

2. Public Relations & Strategic Communication Industry Insights:

  • PRWeek: Covers industry news, trends, updates, case studies, and thought leadership in PR.

  • O'Dwyer's PR News: Provides industry news and insights.

  • Institute for Public Relations (IPR): Offers research-driven insights on PR effectiveness and reputation management.

  • Ragan Communications: A hub for PR, corporate communications, and crisis management strategy.

  • The Holmes Report (PRovoke Media): An authoritative source for PR and strategic communications news, including insights into global PR strategies and reputation management.

  • Spin Sucks: Covers crisis communication techniques and digital PR strategies.

 

3. Digital & Social Media PR Tools:

  • Google Analytics Academy: Helps PR professionals analyze website traffic and audience engagement.

  • Hootsuite Academy: Offers courses on social media strategy, content management, and analytics.

  • Meta Blueprint: Provides guides on using Facebook and Instagram for PR campaigns.

  • Brandwatch: Offers social listening and reputation analysis for PR professionals.

  • Think with Google: Provides research on consumer behavior and digital communication trends.

  • HubSpot Academy: Offers courses on content marketing and PR-driven brand strategies.

Employment Websites

  • UGA Handshake: Exclusive job and internship postings for UGA students, including PR roles.

  • LinkedIn Jobs: A valuable resource for networking, job postings, and company research in the PR industry.

  • Glassdoor: Job postings, salary insights, and company reviews, useful for evaluating potential employers.

  • Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Job Center: A dedicated job board from the Public Relations Society of America.

  • PRWeek Jobs: Listings for PR and communications roles, often featuring openings at top agencies.

  • ColorComm Job Board: A job board for women of color in communications.

  • Cision Jobs: A platform for PR, media, and communications professionals, including opportunities in corporate and agency settings.

  • EntertainmentCareers: A resource for internships and jobs in PR within the entertainment industry.

  • Ed2010 & Mediabistro: Job boards focused on media, publishing, and public relations internships and roles.

  • Upwork: Freelance opportunities for PR professionals specializing in communications, media relations, and brand management.

  • Fiverr: A marketplace for PR freelancers to offer services like press releases, media pitching, and brand strategy.

Professional Associations/Resources

1. National & International PR Associations:

 

2. Educational & Industry Publications:

 

3. Networking & Professional Development:

 

4. Scholarships, Fellowships, & Competitions

Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Public Relations Majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
22squared, Inc. Assistant Account Executive
365 Degree Total Marketing Digital Media Strategist
American Airlines Flight Attendant
Ammunition Client Partnerships Coordinator
Aon Reinsurance Account Representative
APCO Project Assistant
ASW Distillery, LLC Marketing Associate
Babbit Bodner Communications Coordinator
Bank of America Assistant Vice President
Beyond Identity Sales Development Representative
BRAVE Public Relations Assistant Account Executive
bread & Butter Assistant Account Executive
Burson Assistant Account Executive
Carma Connected Account Coordinator
Carter's Assistant Merchant
Congressman Chuck Edwards Staff Assistant
Cookerly Public Relations Assistant Account Executive
Cox Enterprises Lead Internal Consultant
Coyne Public Relations Account Coordinator
Dominion Energy Associate Communications Specialist
Droese Public Relations Fall Intern
Edelman Account Associate
F&W Style Social Media Intern
Fab'rik Boutique Social Media Manager
Full Tilt Consulting Assistant Account Manager
Fundraising Inc. Operations Associate
Georgia College Advising Corps College & Career Adviser
Golden Isles Olive Oil Marketing and Event Coordinator
Guide Culture Social Media and Marketing Coordinator
Gwinnett Stripers Corporate Partnerships Coordinator
Hunter Account Coordinator
Infinity Marketing Social Media Intern
Insight Global Recruiter
Insight Global Recruiter
Iris Account Executive Intern
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Communications Analyst
KCSA Strategic Communications Assistant Account Executive
Keith Hildebrandt Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Ketchum Consultant
KPMG Associate Innovation Consultant
Lanecreek Golf Club Food and Beverage Manager
LB Dantzler Account Representative
Lena Larose Marketing and Sales Manager
Lindsay Schwartz Consulting + Creative Brands and Accounts Specialist
Link Logistics Marketing Associate
Lou Hammond Group Account Coordinator
Lou Hammond Group Account Coordinator
Love.Craft Athens, Inc Communications Specialist
Marks Commercial Realty Real Estate Agent
Metro Atlanta Chamber Atlanta Sports Council - Community Relations Intern
Monkee's Franchising Marketing & E-commerce Assistant Manager
Moon Dance Shift Leader
MSL Group Assistant Account Executive
MSL Group Assistant Account Executive
MSL Group Assistant Account Executive
MSL Group Consumer Brands Fellow
MSL Group Consumer Brands Fellow
MSL Group Consumer Brands Fellow
National Journal Executive Assistant
NBCUniversal External Communications Coordinator
New Blue Interactive Account Coordinator
North Georgia Technical College High School Coordinator
OMD USA Digital Activation and Planning Associate
Optomi Associate Account Executive
Orsi Public Relations Junior Account Executive
Pinnacle Promotions Junior Account Manager
Rag & Bone Communications Assistant
Riverworks Inv. Corp Leasing Coordinator
Savannah Bananas Merchandise Coordinator
See.Spark.Go Account Coordinator
See.Spark.Go Social Media Project Coordinator
See.Spark.Go Social Media Project Coordinator
Self-employed Freelancer
Six String Southern Productions LLC Marketing And Public Relations Coordinator
Six String Southern Productions LLC Marketing And Public Relations Coordinator
Sloane & Company Corporate Communications Associate
Steampunk, Inc. Learning Experience Platform Administrator
Strike Magazine External Communications Associate
The Dana Agency Public Relations Account Coordinator
The Dana Agency Public Relations Account Coordinator
The Next Stop Digital Marketing Strategist
The Walt Disney Company Talent Development Intern
Town of Summerville Public Information Associate
Trevelino/Keller Assistant Account Executive
Tribe, Inc. Account Manager
United Airlines Marketing Strategist
United Distributors Sales Apprentice
United States Advanced Network Software Engineer
United States Air Force Air Force Officer
United States Government Communication Assistant
United States Senate Staff Assistant
Universal Destinations & Experiences Corporate Communications Senior Coordinator
University of Georgia Annual Giving Officer
University of Georgia Development Officer
University of Georgia Operations Manager
University of Georgia Digital Media Specialist
University of Georgia Temporary Staff Assistant
VUE Atlanta Marketing and Public Relations Intern
Waggin Law Junior Paralegal
Weber Shandwick Junior Associate
Weber Shandwick Public Relations Intern
Wheels, Inc. Internal Communications Specialist
Zagoria Law Firm Litigation Paralegal
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2024 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Public Relations Majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Arizona State University Film and Media Studies, MAS
Athens Technical College Interdisciplinary Studies, Associate's
Case Western Reserve University Law, JD
Georgetown University Communication, Culture & Technology, MA
Mercer University Law, JD
University of Georgia Marketing Research, MMR
University of Georgia Public Relations, Master’s
University of Georgia Public Relations, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia College Student Affairs Admin, MEd
University of Georgia Integrated Advertising and Public Relations, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Georgia Journalism and Mass Comm, MA
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Law, JD
* denotes no responses received.

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