Corporate Communication Graduate Degrees

Related occupations
Public Relations Specialist

Public relations (PR) specialists, sometimes called communications specialists or media specialists, perform a variety of functions depending on where and for whom they work. Above all, they create and promote a positive image for their employers. They also keep the public informed of their employers'... see more current goals and policies. All public relations specialists must be sensitive to the needs, attitudes, and opinions of their audience. Public relations specialists may arrange and direct speaking engagements, press conferences, meetings and conventions, films or videos, and fundraising campaigns. These workers usually have to prepare a number of materials for these events, such as speeches and press releases, magazine articles, scripts, fact sheets, pamphlets, and newsletters. They may also need to conduct interviews and speak on the telephone frequently. The PR specialist works closely with graphic artists, designers, printers, and other media experts. On a large PR staff, a worker's duties may be directed in only one area. In smaller companies or organizations, a worker may be involved in all aspects of the job.

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Publicist

Publicists are hired to get press coverage for their clients. Their job is to get journalists to write about their client, whoever it might be. They issue press releases in order to get journalists to write about their clients. These general announcements are sent out en masse to the press to alert... see more them of news and, hopefully, generate stories. Publicists usually write these press releases which make announcements about new initiatives and business developments the company is involved in. Actors, sports athletes or other entertainment personalities hire public relations specialists to either enhance their careers or handle the public if they are involved in a scandal or conflict. Public relations specialists may either be on retainers or are paid based on specific services they provide. For example, publicists may have access to various red carpet events that entertainers may pay the publicists so they can attend. Publicists have a highly demanding job in an extremely competitive field. Beyond press releases, which are generalized announcements, publicists also cultivate relationships with journalists in order to place stories with them. Good publicists understand the inner-workings of the media so they can recognize the stories that certain journalists want to write about..