Salaries vary among public relations firms, agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Corporations usually pay higher salaries than public agencies and may give bonuses and stock purchase options. Most PR Reps work a standard 40-hour week, but overtime is common. Benefits Benefits include paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock purchase options. A college degree combined with public relations experience, usually gained through an internship, is considered to be excellent training for public relations work.
Preferred majors are public relations, English, or journalism.
Courses in advertising, business administration, political science, psychology, sociology, creative writing, and computers are highly recommended by PR professionals. Public contact and persuasive skills can also be gained in sales jobs. Some employers seek applicants that demonstrate solid communication skills and experience in a field related to the firm s business specialty. Successful PR Reps have a thorough understanding of people and human psychology. In large organizations, beginning PR Reps may start as trainees in a formal training program .