Learn how you can become a public relations assistant in Chicago. You will learn the type of education necessary and the steps you must take once you receive an education in public relations. The article includes suggestions and information to help you obtain a job in the public relations field.
Instructions
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications or English from an accredited university. Loyola University and the University of Chicago are both Chicago universities offering programs in English and Communications. Take courses in marketing, public relations, advertising and writing.
2. Learn create press releases and newsletters. It’s a good idea to learn desktop publishing. Get familiar with software such as Microsoft Publisher so that you’ll be able to create publications and fliers.
3. Apply for public relations internships. Go to your school’s career center and hunt for public relations internships with nonprofit organizations, advertising companies, and PR firms. Some nonprofit organizations located in Chicago include the Newberry Library, the Chicago Children's Museum and the Chicago Humanities Festivals. You can also try scoring an internship with corporations such as Chicago Creative Partnership or the San Jose Group.
4. Have writing samples to show prospective employers who offer internships. These writing samples should contain examples of your work: press releases, school newspaper articles and newsletters.
5. Learn everything you can about public relations. Make yourself available to do as many writing assignments as possible. This will allow you to continue to build your portfolio. A strong portfolio will help you obtain a permanent PR position once you graduate from college with your degree.
6. Go back to your school career center and start your job hunt after earning your degree and completing your internships. The career center may be able to provide you with the names of Chicago companies seeking public relations assistants.
7. Don't forget to apply at the corporations where you worked as an intern. If you did a good job for them, they may be more likely to hire you as a permanent employee.
8. Make sure you bring your writing portfolio and professional resume to the interview.
9. When you are hired at a Chicago company as a public relations assistant, continue to learn as much as you can about the field. This will help you to become an invaluable asset to the organization.
