Many people wonder what the path they need to take in order to become a publicist. This is an important question because the most high-powered publicists can charge upwards of six figures every year, per client, according to Business Insider. Below is a pathway for students interested in becoming publicists.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most publicist positions will require, at the bare minimum, an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university. These degrees, which range from communications to public relations, aide students in learning how the field works. It teaches them about media law, visual communications, writing various types of written communications, how to work with production staff, and the different strategies that are employed in the field today. It’s also a great way for students to learn about the different career paths available to publicists, including the various industries in which publicists remain invaluable.
Ranking: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
Internship
Many undergraduate degrees that lead to a career as a publicist will require an internship for graduation. Even if an internship is optional, a student should seriously consider it, especially if they wish to move straight into the field after graduation. Internships provide students with real-world experience under the supervision of an experienced professional and also enables the students to pick up tips and tricks they can use when they begin looking for a job. Internships also provide students with the chance to see how their intended area of expertise translates into the real world, giving them time to decide whether or not it is the right career path for them.
Build a Network
Public relations is all about networking; professionals can break into the field just by having a large number of contacts at their disposal. Networks are important for every publicist, so it’s important for students to begin thinking about how to build up their own even while still in school. There a variety of ways to build a network, from social media to professional and industry associations, and while it may take time to build up a Rolodex of names that matter to employers, students are also taking the time to use the interpersonal skills they’ve learned at university to good use.
Consider Certification
It is most often considered an afterthought for most professionals, but certification in their particular field can be beneficial for publicists. Not all industries offer certification, but the Public Relations Society of America offers a general credential; similarly, the International Association of Business Communications offers the Accredited Business Communicator credential. Professionals with credentials become a part of a large network of like-minded publicists and certification gives them access to continuing education experiences, conferences, and more. It can be a great way for a new publicist to stand out among other candidates while also building their reputation in the field.
See: Are There Any Professional Certifications for Communications?
Gain Work Experience
While the above steps are all necessary for a publicist, the most important is real-world work experience. Public relations is an evidence-based field and for a professional, this means they are respected in direct proportion to how well they can do their job. Because publicists most often specialize in one industry, their work experience must fall into that field. Most publicists work on various projects with different clients throughout their career and those experiences can earn them jobs at high-end agencies or corporations who are looking for professionals with their type of experience.
Nearly everything that someone reads or sees in media have gone through the hands of a publicist. They are some of the most powerful people in the business, sports and entertainment industries precisely because they can craft a narrative that can benefit their clients. The above article will help anyone who is interested in learning how to become a publicist with the power to change the narrative; all they need is perseverance, discipline, and a strong amount of will.
Source: Business Insider