PRSA Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Jobs
Ask the Experts
Need Career Guidance? Pose a Question to the“Ask the Experts” Forum
If you have questions about your job search, turn to our career experts and get the edge you need. Members of PRSA’s College of Fellows are ready and willing to help you with two programs:
Ask the Experts: Answers to quick questions about your job search. Examples include:
- How should I respond to these types of interview questions: "Tell me about yourself” or "What are your salary requirements?”
- How can I develop a network? Where do I start?
- What am I doing wrong? I send out resumes but never get interviews.
- How long should I wait after an interview to hear from an employer?
To ask a question, scroll down to the question form and fill it out. When you’re ready to submit it, click the "Submit Question" button at the bottom. Many of your questions may already be answered in the more than 300 responses listed below so you may wish to review them first.
Mentor-Match: In-depth coaching. Examples include:
- Resume review
- Interview coaching
- Individual career assessment and coaching
- Tips for dealing with current job situations
There are currently 457 questions posted.
You are currently viewing questions 26 thru 30.
| posted: October 10,2012 05:48 PM -- submitted by: Mike Sanchez | |
| Q26: | I am a junior in college and am frightened by the fact that I will graduate in two years. I already have several internships under my belt and experience in different aspects of Public Relations but always worry that I am not doing enough. Is there a way that I can upload my resume and have someone critique me on what I need to build on during my next 3 semesters? Thank you |
| A26: | Mike, Sounds like you are doing many things right already. Are you a member of PRSSA? If not, that's another good way to network and learn more about the practice of public relations. PRSA has a mentor program conducted though the College of Fellows. Mentor will look at your resume and have more in-depth conversations with you. Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: October 7,2012 04:14 PM -- submitted by: Corey | |
| Q27: | I currently work as a Senior Account Executive at a large consumer PR agency in New York, though I am unsure if my annual salary is truly competitive. For an NYC-based SAE with nearly four years of industry experience, what might be considered an appropriate salary? Are there any web sites or other resources that I may refer to when determining a reasonable range of compensation, given my experience? Any information or insight that can be provided would be wonderful. Many thanks! |
| A27: | Corey-- Perhaps the information at http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/The_starting_salary_for_a_PR_specialist_is__9861.aspx will be helpful. It provides salary information for various positions and experience levels. expert response from: Jim Haynes, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: October 5,2012 01:47 PM -- submitted by: Kim | |
| Q28: | I have a degree in mass communications and for the past several years I've been working as a producer for a tv station. I am strongly considering getting out of the industry and wanted to know what type of job would be suitable to my background? |
| A28: | Kim, The important question is: what you want to do? What are you passionate about? A mass communication degree and experience as a producer could take you in many directions. However, to be truly successful and happy, you should focus on your passions and things that motivate you. To learn move about yourself, I suggest you talk with a career counselor at your college, take the Gallup StrengthFinders "test." You might also want to talk with the human resources staff at your TV studio. They can give you information on various resources to explore where your strengths lie. Good luck. Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: September 26,2012 04:15 PM -- submitted by: Becky | |
| Q29: | I'm a college senior majoring in PR and I'm starting to become slightly terrified of my post-graduation plans. I understand the job market is far from ideal and it is even worse for those trying to get entry-level positions. So I'm curious, should I scratch plans to enter the job market in May and instead apply for a masters program in public relations? Thank you! Becky |
| A29: | Becky, Create your own future. Start now to build your network. Talk to PR professionals in your area. If you have a PRSSA chapter on your campus, join it. If a PRSA chapter is located in your community, look into attending some of the events where you will meet working PR professionals. Your professors have PR contacts who are working in your community. Ask your professors for help. Get some names and set up informational interviews. Look at internships in public relations and communications. Much about finding the right position is knowing what you want to do because you have talked with people in the profession and because people will know you. Good luck. Entry level positions exist. Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: September 19,2012 10:31 AM -- submitted by: Nikki | |
| Q30: | I am about to graduate with a masters in mass media arts and journalism and a graduate certificate in public relations. I've been part of the workforce for 15 years and I'm trying to redirect my career from graphic design/administrative work to PR. I haven't been able to do an internship because I simply can't afford it. How should I present myself to prospective employers so they will at least give me a chance to get my foot in the door? |
| A30: | Nicole, Since your work background is uniquely yours, it is impossible to give specific advice. However, if your graphic design and administrative work have been involved with strategy development and project management of the the public relations campaigns, you might emphasize that in your resume accomplishments. Also, you might volunteer for a non-profit you like and get some credible experience that you can add to your resume -- the more specifically public relations it is, the better. Good luck, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: September 19,2012 10:28 AM -- submitted by: Naya Cannon | |
| Q31: | I'm currently in school working on an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing. I wanted to know if this will add value to my B.A in PR? |
| A31: | Naya, Additional education with give you new perspectives and knowledge. How you couple that with your practical experiences will make the difference. While everyone's situation is different, often professionals are expected to have working knowledge of both public relations and marketing, as well as communications. Many healthcare organizations and non-profits join these two disciplines into a single job. You will bring a broader set of knowledge and skills to your next job. That is generally desirable. Good luck. Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
Ask your question here...