Finally, an Entry-Level Job that’s Worth Something

Asking whether an entry-level job is worth it is a question too big to answer. In general, any job can be worthwhile, but only if the work you do and the people you work with make it so.

In this post, we're going to talk specifically about entry-level jobs in public relations — jobs that provide everything you need to become successful in PR down the road, without waiting for that "right" internship or graduate school opportunity. Entry-level jobs like these are pretty rare these days thanks to high demand for PR pros and few job openings at agencies or companies alike; if you find one at a good company with managers who think long term about grooming their employees for success, consider yourself lucky.

Said luck is something we see as an opportunity, not a burden. You can make a big difference at every level of public relations, from entry to executive-level. As you learn more about what it takes to do PR work well, you'll have options and opportunities that you couldn't have before — including the chance to help your own career by helping the careers of others.

In this post, we're going to describe a couple of entry-level jobs in PR and explain why they're worth it for someone looking for a career in the industry. Take a look below for specifics on each job; then read on for info on how to get hired at any of these companies . . . and why you should.

Entry-Level Job #1: Public Relations Assistant

As a public relations assistant (sometimes called an "executive assistant"), you'll get basic experience in several PR fields, including event planning and crisis communication. You'll also learn office management basics, like how to schedule meetings and file paperwork. This job is a great way to start your career because it gives you the opportunity to try out a variety of tasks associated with public relations while working closely with experienced PR pros who will teach you more about the industry along the way.

The advantages of this job include the following:

You'll get to work with experienced PR professionals who will offer you tons of advice . . . and also give you plenty of opportunities to do PR work for them in exchange.

Public relations is a great industry to join if you want job security, as public relations jobs tend to "stick" (unless your team and client merge). Working for a company that does PR for other companies can be a great way to build out your skills in many fields.

Great entry-level jobs in public relations often require some level of office management experience, but this job takes it a step further by allowing you to learn how the office runs through experience on the front lines.

Along with learning how to do PR work, you'll get a chance to develop skills that are essential in any industry, including organization and the ability to make things run smoothly. You'll also get experience working on a range of projects and events — not just writing or event planning — that can enhance your portfolio.

If you're making $20,000 or less at an entry-level job in public relations, you're likely working as an assistant. That's more than most entry-level jobs pay, but assistants do more than other entry-level jobs (like writing). Now, here are some specific perks of this job:

Free coffee, tea and soda — but not lunch. If you work for a big company like a PR agency, you'll usually get lunch, but if you're working for an in-house team or a small firm, the food's on you. (So is the travel.)

Part of your day is spent managing the office — which can be a bit mundane but also shows your management potential in an indirect way. That doesn't mean they'll want to promote you to manager after two months, but it does mean that they're paying attention to how well you manage things.

If you're working for a smaller team that's just starting out, you'll have the chance to prove your worth by helping a new or struggling company. As they grow into an established company, the need to do PR work will lessen and they'll no longer be in need of an assistant.

You can get some experience in writing (basic press releases, event pitches and news releases), research (news articles and industry blogs), web design/content management/marketing (websites, social media content) and more. You might also be able to develop your collecting skills by learning about industry trends, market research reports and other key information about the issue areas in which you work.

You'll get the chance to work on real projects and learn real skills. And you won't be racing through tasks like a tax preparer or hotel receptionist.

If an entry-level job like this one is right for you, keep reading because we'll explain how you can get hired . . . and why it's a good idea to do so!

Entry-Level Job #2: Public Relations Specialist (also Marketing Assistant)

This job provides the same basic experience as a public relations assistant, with the added benefit of posting your résumé for greater visibility. You'll also get some greater autonomy in what you do, but the benefit is that you have more opportunity to work with clients, which gives you more business.

Not only that, but this is a great position for PR students who are looking for extra experience and for people who might be experienced in specific areas (like marketing) but are looking to try out public relations. If you're a PR student doing internships or another entry-level job in PR while getting your degree, consider this a good way to "double dip."

The advantages of this job include the following:

You'll be able to work with clients directly on projects and projects that require your expertise. The reason this is good for PR students is that you get to experience being a consultant and learn how it works.

You'll be able to do more self-directed work that can help put you in line for a promotion within the first year of your career. It's an easy transition from assistant to specialist. (Just ask the following person.)

Along with getting some public relations work, you'll have time to pursue your own projects and practice skills like writing, social media marketing, research and more — all while gaining some real-life experience that will add a lot to your resume.

You'll get paid more than an assistant, which is great . . . but due to the location and hours, you'll probably make a little less than entry-level jobs in other fields.

You could also get paid a higher wage but fewer hours — it depends on how much work you can handle. Either way, your office needs you to be a reliable employee even if you're not there from 9-5 every day.

If an entry-level job like this is right for you, keep reading because we'll explain how you can get hired . . . and why it's a good idea to do so!

Entry-Level Job #3: Public Relations Account Executive (also Marketing Account Executive)

A public relations account executive is basically the "director" of a PR firm.

Conclusion

You don't need a master's degree to work in public relations, but it sure helps. You need to be able to manage your schedule, and you need to be organized — as well as have the patience and perseverance to learn a new field and accept that you might not know everything. You need to be able to handle a steady workload and be able to multitask.