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Public Relations

Understanding objectives and strategies that shape the information delivered to different types of publics is the goal of the Mass Communication major with an emphasis in Public Relations. Students are prepared to become public relations professionals and to analyze, construct, manage and consume public relations information. They also learn to clearly and persuasively present a point of view using a wide variety of media. Public relations professionals help companies, nonprofit organizations, governments and individuals to manage speeches, communicate with the press, produce brochures, and handle crises. In addition to the major, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire also offers a Mass Communication minor with an emphasis in Public Relations.

What will I learn from studying Public Relations?

Knowledge:

A Mass Communication major with an emphasis in Public Relations provides one with the knowledge to use words, sight, sound, and motion to create powerful images that hold an audience’s attention and generate a response. Public Relations requires one to possess an understanding of many areas including advertising, journalism, group management, and the general public in order to construct promotional campaigns.

Skills:

  • Effective written communication
  • Editing skills
  • Persuasive speaking/presentation skills
  • Networking/people skills
  • Multi-tasking
  • Time and stress management
  • Problem‑solving & decision-making
  • Computer/production skills (Desktop publishing, layout, graphics)
  • Research/information gathering

What are some of the interests and values related to Public Relations?

  • Results oriented
  • Creativity
  • Autonomy
  • Recognition
  • Risk taker
  • Achievement
  • Responsibility
  • Variety

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to a Public Relations Degree?

Potential Employers:

Public Relations majors are desirable to a variety of employers. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and members of the entertainment industry and the government are among those who hire people with a degree in Public Relations. Those who graduate with a Public Relations degree take positions in the fields of personnel, customer relations, advertising, labor relations, public information, and sales and can act as interviewers, counselors, negotiators, recruiters, and representatives. Some find positions as writers, editors, or researchers in publishing, broadcasting, or internal communications.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Director of Corporate Communications
  • Public Relations Consultant
  • Communications Manager
  • Account Executive
  • PR Manager
  • Newsletter Editor
  • Marketing Manager
  • Director of Investor Relations
  • College Admissions Officer
  • Media Relations
  • Fundraising or Donor Relations
  • Government Public Affairs
  • Sports Public Relations
  • Alumni Director

What are some jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Public Relations graduates?

  • Project Coordinator , Xcel Energy, Eau Claire, WI
  • Special Events Manager , Junior Achievement, Maplewood, MN
  • PR and Marketing Associate , Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee, WI
  • Event Coordinator , Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago, IL

How can I learn more about Public Relations?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Opportunities in Public Relations Careers , Morris B. Rotman
  • Career Opportunities in Advertising and Public Relations, Shelly Field
  • Careers for Talkative Types & Other with the Gift of Gab , Marjorie Eberts & Margaret Gisler
  • Top Careers for Communications Graduates , Checkmark Books
  • Careers for Born Leaders & Other Decisive Types , Blythe Camenson
  • Real People Working in Communications , VGM Career Horizons

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Public Relations?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Public Relations that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Communication & Journalism department chair about enrolling in CJ 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in CJ 399, 495 or 499.