This document summarizes a panel discussion on landing a public relations job after school. It outlines the types of organizations and positions available, including agencies, corporate offices, and boutique firms. It also lists the qualities employers seek in candidates, such as relevant work experience, strong communication skills, leadership experience, and internships. Finally, it provides average salary ranges according to a survey, with entry-level PR professionals earning between $30,000 to $50,000 on average.

1. Landing a Public Relations (PR)
Job After School:
What Employers are Looking for and
What You Can Expect to Make
April 21, 2010

2. Today’s Panelists
Rick White
Vice President,
Corporate Communications,
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
Keith Burton
President, Insidedge/
GolinHarris
Mark Harris
Vice President,
Communications,
IBM Global Business Services
Lisa Hart
Program Leader,
Communication Leadership Development,
GE
Jessamyn Katz
Director,
Heyman Associates
Rick Looser
President and COO,
Cirlot Agency

3. Types of Organizations and Positions Available
 In an agency which is a part of a larger holding
company
 In a smaller, boutique agency
 In‐house at a corporate office

4. Qualities/Qualifications that Professionals
Seek in Candidates
Who are we looking for? What do you need to do?
 Minimum 3.0 GPA  Highlight your relevant work experience on
your resume
 Geographically aware  Check company Web sites often – roles,
news, etc.
 Sharp business acumen  Practice interview skills – phone & in‐person
 Sharp analytical and judgment skills  Be sure your voicemail message, e‐mail
address, Facebook and other social media
accounts are professional
 Excellent writing skills  Get your passport – seek experience
 Leadership experience outside of the
classroom
 Be ready – elevator speech!
 Internship or work experience in relevant
major
 Do your homework – know the company!
 Passion for communications

5. Average Salary Range in the
Communications Field
 The 2010 PRWeek/Bloom,
Gross & Associates (BGA)
Salary Survey polled 1,007 PR
professionals across various
work settings and disciplines

6. The 2010 PRWeek/Bloom, Gross & Associates (BGA)
Salary Survey Findings

7. Concluding Thoughts

8. Questions?
 Please submit your questions via the Q/A
function on Live Meeting or ask them over the
conference line

9. Panelists’ E‐mail Addresses:
Rick White
Rick.White@we-energies.com
Keith Burton
Kburton@insidedge.net Mark Harris
harris@us.ibm.com
Lisa Hart
lisa.k.hart@ge.com
Jessamyn Katz
jkatz@heymanassociates.com Rick Looser
rick@cirlot.com

10. The audio portion of this webcast and slides will
be posted to the Plank Center Web site at:
plankcenter.ua.edu

11. Thank You!