Want a Job With Influence? Consider a Career in Communications

Communications and Public Relations may not sound like sexy careers with gravitas, but they certainly can be. Consider Tony Snow, who serves as President Bush's press secretary, or Elliot Mintz, who navigates Paris Hilton away from public relations catastrophes. Here’s how a communications education can put you in the spotlight.

What PR and Communications Specialists Do (and Don't) Do

Public relations and communications professionals don't just work in corporate America. They work for politicians, celebrities, and socialites. They are often in front of a camera, depending on how high-profile their employers are, which can make them well-known public figures in their own right.

Communications professionals can also be journalists. Tony Snow, for instance, is a former Fox News commentator. Like Snow, many communications professionals leap from one area of communications to another, building their writing and speaking chops as reporters and moving on to become communications professionals in the public or private sector.

How do these people exert their influence? Well, the President's press secretary presents the news of the day in a manner that is most flattering or closely aligned with the interests of the White House. Press secretaries are trained to artfully deflect questions and steer inquiries away from sensitive topics.

Public Relations: The Education You Need

Most public relations professionals possess at least a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, media studies, or English. During these degree programs, they develop advanced writing and speaking skills and learn about the media industry.

Start working toward your communications degree today, and get one step closer to a career with clout.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

Email this article

All information on the Career Colleges website is copyrighted and intended for informational use only including the Career Assessment and Most Popular Career Colleges section. The school programs offered by the technical schools and trade schools represented in the online college directory are up-to-date.