Public Relations Jobs: What Jobs Can You Get with a PR Degree?
So, you have a public relations degree—perhaps from one of the 20 best colleges for Public Relations in the U.S.—now what? The good news is, PR skills are like a Swiss Army knife in the job market, opening doors to public realtions jobs in media, marketing, corporate communications and so much more.
Whether you dream of managing a celebrity’s public image, creating viral brand campaigns, or handling crisis communications for big companies, the options for public relations careers are almost endless. Let’s break down the best career paths for PR grads that’ll help you turn that hard-earned degree into a well-deserved paycheck.
Public Relations Jobs: Best Industries When You Have a Public Relations Degree
Public relations careers aren’t limited to a single industry—quite the opposite, actually! If you’re passionate about entertainment, technology, or even nonprofit work, a public relations degree provides the versatility to pursue all sorts of opportunities in your preferred field. Here are some of the top industries where PR professionals thrive.
Entertainment and media
Public relations specialists in entertainment and media typically manage publicity for celebrities, musicians, film studios and television networks. Their responsibilities include things like coordinating press tours, running media relations, and crafting strategic messaging to maintain a positive public image.
Fashion and lifestyle
The fashion and lifestyle industries hire PR experts to promote brands, oversee influencer partnerships, and secure media placements in top publications. PR specialists working in fashion often orchestrate product launches, runway shows, and brand collaborations.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Public relations professionals in the healthcare industry work with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical organizations to communicate medical advancements, advocate for health initiatives, and manage communications during public health emergencies.
Technology and startups
Tech companies rely on PR professionals to grow brand awareness, take charge of media relations, and roll out new products or software updates. Whether they’re teaming up with big-name corporations or innovative startups, PR experts working in tech must turn complex information into compelling narratives that grab the public’s (and the media’s) attention.
Corporate communications
Large corporations require internal and external public relations teams to manage their brand image, tackle crisis communications, and connect with key stakeholders. Corporate PR professionals ensure that a company’s messaging always aligns with its mission and values.
Nonprofit and advocacy groups
Many nonprofit organizations hire PR specialists to engage donors, secure media coverage, and raise awareness about social causes. PR professionals in the nonprofit sector play a big part in shaping public perception and driving fundraising efforts for their NGO clients.
Government and public affairs
Government agencies and political organizations need PR professionals to generate official statements, manage press relations, and influence public policy. Public affairs specialists work with everyone from lawmakers and advocacy groups to in-demand media outlets, allowing them to guide public opinion on key issues or current events.
No matter the industry, PR professionals have a starring role in molding a brand’s image, connecting with the public, and delivering messages that leave a lasting impact. With a public relations degree, you have the flexibility to explore careers in diverse fields and find a niche that fits your interests.
Top 10 Public Relations Jobs for 2025 and Beyond
Landing a job in PR starts with gaining hands-on experience through a public relations internship. Many employers prefer hiring candidates with at least one internship under their belt, as it demonstrates industry knowledge and practical expertise.
After finishing your internship(s), you’ll be more than ready to jump into your first public relations job. Keep in mind, the world of PR is always changing—new job titles are constantly popping up alongside more traditional career paths.
If you’re looking to break into the industry or maybe pivot to a different role, these are the top 10 public relations jobs to have on your radar for 2025.
1. Public relations specialist
One of the most popular gigs for PR grads is becoming a public relations specialist. In this role, you’re the mastermind behind keeping a client in the public’s good graces—whether that means writing press releases, pitching stories to the media, or pulling off big events.
[Read More: What Does a Public Relations Person Do?]
PR specialists can work anywhere from major agencies to nonprofits or corporate offices, depending on their preferences and professional background. This is a fast-paced job that requires creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to build strong relationships with media outlets.
2. Public relations account executive
A public relations account executive is the go-to person for keeping clients happy and their brands in the spotlight. They’re the ones juggling PR campaigns, managing budgets, and making sure every message hits the mark across different media channels.
This role isn’t for the faint of heart—you need solid experience, sharp leadership skills, and a commitment to staying highly organized (since most PR account managers are responsible for multiple clients at once). But if you want an action-packed, multitasking work environment, an account manager position might be right up your alley.
3. Corporate communications manager
Corporate communications managers are the driving force behind a company’s messaging, both inside and out. These individuals craft public-facing statements, direct crisis control, and make sure everything the brand says lines up with its core values. As a corporate communications manager, you’d be in close contact with top executives, developing strategies that keep the company’s reputation strong and its messaging crystal clear.
4. Social media manager
As digital marketing continues to soar, a lot of people on the PR job hunt are diving into social media management. The day-to-day responsibilities for this role include creating original content, chatting with followers, and keeping an eye on how the brand is talked about on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. In addition, social media managers often partner with PR agencies to align digital marketing efforts with broader public relations campaigns.
5. Media relations specialist
Media relations specialists work on building relationships with journalists and media outlets to score coveted press coverage for their clients. They pitch ideas, arrange interviews, and craft captivating stories that command attention—meaning, a lot of their job is about knowing what’s trending in the media and how to make a story stand out.
Along with that, strong writing skills are essential for creating content that resonates with the target audience and gets people talking.
6. Public affairs specialist
Public affairs specialists team up with government agencies, political groups, or advocacy organizations to help shape public policy and sway public opinion. Aside from fielding various media requests, public affairs specialists also write speeches and set up press conferences to get the word out.
If you’re into politics and want to make a real impact, this could be an exciting career path for you. It’s all about staying on top of the news, communicating key messages, and influencing how people see things.
7. Event coordinator
Event coordination is another great option for those with a public relations degree. As a professional coordinator, you’d plan and execute events like product launches, press conferences, and corporate meetings. These PR experts oversee logistics, keep track of budgets, and ensure all messaging/marketing matches a particular brand image.
Overall, it’s a busy role—requiring the right mix of organization and creativity to pull off successful events that make clients shine.
8. Crisis communications manager
Crisis communications managers step in when things go sideways, whether that’s because of a scandal, a PR nightmare, or a natural disaster. They create strategic, imaginative game plans to manage the situation and keep the company’s message on track.
When reporters start asking tough questions, crisis communications managers are there delivering thoughtful responses. Their goal is to calm the storm, protect the brand’s reputation, and rebuild trust wherever it’s needed. It’s a high-stakes job, but for the right person, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
9. Marketing communications specialist
Marketing communications specialists bridge the gap between PR and marketing departments by creating ads, press releases and other content marketing materials. Their job is to boost brand awareness and get people excited about a company’s products or services—i.e. they know how to construct messages that grab customers’ attention and keep them engaged.
From writing catchy copy to rolling out new products, communications specialists have a wide range of tasks to manage and checklists to take care of.
10. Brand manager
Brand managers work hard behind the scenes to maintain a company’s image, making sure everything—from ads to social media—feels like one cohesive brand. They closely follow market trends, figuring out what works vs. what needs a refresh. A big part of their job is crafting strategies that make the brand stand out while staying true to its core identity.
On top of that, brand managers work with PR agencies to win over the public. At the end of the day, they see to it the brand stays relevant and differentiates itself from the competition.
Conclusion
A public relations degree can lead to all kinds of careers, from managing client accounts to handling corporate communications or media relations. Whether you’re interested in social media, crisis management or building brand recognition, there’s a public relations job out there that’s right for you.
By gaining experience through a public relations internship and sharpening your communication skills, you can set yourself apart in the competitive PR job market.