A quick guide to choosing the right PR or communications job

Careers in communications and public relations can be extremely rewarding if you have the right skills.

For graduates just making their way into a job market, a degree and some theoretical knowledge will certainly help. However, communications practitioners must also network with PR specialists in order to find the best jobs, mentors and employers. Internships, group projects and career events are great ways to get a feel for the industry, and help with that all-important networking.

Which job is right for you? Take a look at this breakdown of some of the basic positions and decide which is the best fit.

Where to start

Good news: There are lots of options to choose from.

You could work an agency, where you promote different clients. You could also become a self-employed freelancer and take full control of what clients you take on. Alternatively, you could choose to work for a government agency (in environment or education, for example), or a private company.

For an entry-level position, employers don’t necessarily expect applicants to have a lot of experience, especially if it is your first job in the field. More importantly, they are looking for enthusiasm for the job, dedication and strong communication skills.