In various public relations jobs, the manager supervises a group of account executives and handles a variety of issues. Managers have the luxury of dealing with very important clients and other profitable figures. If you want to be a public relations manager, you need to strive for client satisfaction while having a solid track record of efficiency. When evaluating your qualifications most firms take into account your client history, billable hours, and attracting and maintaining profitable clientele.
While you are currently an account executive, find someone who can mentor you. Develop a working and personal relationship with someone in the industry who has held PR jobs before. There is nothing wrong with having multiple mentors, as each of them can teach you something new in regards to public relation jobs management. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions, and always be honest with them.
Client satisfaction is an underlying foundation in all jobs in public relations. In order to become a manager you must prove to your boss that you can satisfy every facet of your clients needs. Instead of checking items of your to-do list, attempt to understand your client's organization and develop a rapport with the client.
The scope of PR jobs is changing due to modern technology. The Internet and other technologies are intertwined in almost every public relations campaign. In order to become a PR manager you must master new media and Web 2.0 technologies. Knowing the names of various services is not enough; you must prove knowledge by using them in various campaigns and strategies.
Jobs in public relations require a great deal of common sense and logic. Performing your normal duties will not get you noticed by management. You must go above and beyond in the boardroom by participating in discussions and meetings. Prove to management that you have what it takes by helping with the budget or offering to oversee a project.
A good public relations manager must have leadership abilities. You do not become a leader by reading books or taking classes, the only way you can gain experience is by volunteering and taking charge. You can gain experience by helping a colleague who is over deadline or volunteering when nobody picks up a certain job at the board meeting. Leadership is in the eye of the beholder, everyone has a different style.
It is important to let the world know that you want to become a manager, as they cannot read your mind. Make it known from the moment you get the job that you want to climb the totem pole. This will inspire additional action on your part and keep management on the look-out when new public relations jobs in management open up. If you know there is an opening talk to your boss - you have nothing to lose.
