Whether in business, academics, big corporations, non-government organizations, healthcare services, government agencies, political organizations, or any other company or agency from the various sectors and industry, communications work requires a great deal of flexibility, communication skills, creativity, and the ability to maintain good public rapport.
Communications employment, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, will have a projected growth of "much faster than average" at 24 percent covering the period 2008 to 2018, but for many applicants at the entry level, "keen competition" is expected. The competitive business sector especially moving toward the global trend will open more opportunities for jobs in communication as well as the retirement of public relations specialists. Also, people who have good communications skills other than in English will be much sought after in the coming years. The advertising and its related services is where the projected job growth for this type of jobs will be noticeably significant, according to BLS.
Jobs in communication, particularly for media specialists and communications specialists, commonly known as public relations specialists, are about handling, building, maintaining, and supporting positive public relationship with the organization or company they represent. Public relations specialists are often marketing and communications specialists in one whose strategies are relied on to boost the positive image, reputation, or profitability of the company or organization as a means to maintain public trust and acceptance.
Communications jobs are known to use and rely on every means of technology, avenue, and strategy available to maximize positive exposure of their represented entity especially when special events, circumstances, concerns, or issues that may significantly affect their policies, goals, or missions through public reactions are at stake. Examples of these channels and strategies which public relations specialists use are the print media, TV and radio broadcast which are often used upon in advertising, press conferences, product launchings, political campaigns, public conventions, speaking engagements, or conflict mediation. Communications work also include preparation and updating of various communications materials such as banners, stickers, film slides, pictures, press releases, product samples, and others for public distribution.
Communications employment means thirty-five to forty-hour work weeks, sometimes extending unto weekends and evenings when deadlines and schedules need to be met. In instances when issues or concerns are of public urgency, public relations specialists are called upon at any time of the day or night to immediately respond or address negative reactions. Their flexibility, good judgment, confidence, outgoing personality, and quick-thinking abilities are always relied upon in such situations.
Applicants with a public relations or journalism bachelor's degree will have an advantage in communications jobs. Internships in public relations or similar wok experience as well as possessing strong written and communications skills would be another advantage for applicants. For certification and advancement, public relations specialists as members of the Public Relations Society of America are accredited by the Universal Accreditation Board. A readiness review plus examination are taken by candidates with a minimum of five years full-time work or public relations teaching, and with a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism or a communications-related field. Candidates who are able to complete and pass the readiness review and a computer-based examination earn a designation as Accredited in Public Relations (APR).
The earnings for this type of job are also good, even much higher in selected industries. In the May 2009 BLS data, the annual mean wage for the people in communications employment was at $69,630 under the highest levels of employment by industry category. While the top-paying industry for the same type of job was the petroleum and coal products manufacturing with an annual mean wage of $120,420.
A communications occupation is often found in large metropolitan areas or cities where large businesses and corporations hold headquarters. Communications facilities and media services are also readily available in these areas making public relations work accessible and more convenient. While this type of job is expected to grow in other areas throughout the US, concentration of public relations firms is visible in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
All across the country, advertising companies, hospitals, social services, universities, hotels, law firms, international organizations, and many others are calling for public relations specialists. A communications occupation remains a vital position with a very significant role in any organization or company whether looking to make a profit, maintaining a good public image, promoting a certain product or service, or pursuing a political or social issue. For a more convenient and faster way in finding this type of job, log on to PRCrossing.com for thousands of listings. Giving you more options as well, this website will make your job hunting so much easier! A FREE trial today is the best guarantee, so sign up now!
