If you enjoy reaching out to others and communication is one of your stronger
skills, consider pursuing an in-demand career in public relations.
Working with clients - that could range from businesses, nonprofits
associations, universities, or hospitals - public relations specialists
can
help their clients build and maintain positive
relationships with the public, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Responsibilities might include writing press releases, speaking to media
contacts, and planning PR programs.
Hot Factors: Employment for public
relations specialists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, says
the Department of Labor. Growth could be driven by the need for organizations to
maintain their public image in this Internet age and with the growth of social
media, adds the Department.
"Companies need well-qualified people that understand social media," says
Shapiro. "Some companies are hiring in-house positions, while others are hiring
outside companies to manage their communications."
Education Options: A bachelor's degree in a
communications-related field like public relations or
communication is generally required to prepare to pursue a career as a public
relations specialist.
Dr. Theodore Avtgis was
recognized as a Research Fellow at the annual conference of the Eastern
Communication Association (ECA) held in Boston (April 24-29). The
Research Fellow is the most distinguished research honor of the
association and is representative of significant scholarly contribution
of research and theory to the field of Communication Studies
throughout one's career. ECA is the oldest communication association in
the United States. At that same conference, Avtgis presented six
papers on a variety of topics including physiological measurement
techniques for aggressive communication, communication competence,
humor communication in medicine, and positive communication structures
in healthcare.
