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What are the career options as a PR major?

I am a freshman at college and I am majoring in PR at San Jose State University. I love studying it so far. After I am done with my bachelors, should I go for my Masters or find a job? Also, what kind of job in this field would pay me more? #public-relations #marketing #employment #internships #career-advice

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Thank you comment icon Marketing is an important part of business. They have lower earning than other business major. You can do a lot with marketing because as you know nowsaday, it's digital age. People need marketing major to do those kinda visual things for audience. Vy
Thank you comment icon The career options can vary from Health Science to the Government. You have to find your passion within an industry. Tamiya
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Lisa’s Answer

Hi Deep, Simply put, NO, you don't need to get a Master's after graduating for PR. I owned a Marketing & Communications staffing firm for 16 yrs. Rarely did any of the Pubic Relations or Marketing professionals we placed have a MA degree. Also, currently as an Employment Coach, I've helped a number of new/recent grads launch their careers in the area of Public Relations & Communications. Prepare now for graduation by getting some PAID internships in PR. college major, Public Relations, Communications, careers, college, college graduate, youth employment
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Margaret’s Answer

Hi Deep,

I recommend working after college to gain some experience as well as perpective on what course of study you want to pursue in a Masters program.

As for money, many things can factor salary level including the industry you are in when pursuing your field. For instance, you may have higher pay structure in a technology company than a non profit. Also, when looking at compensation, look at the whole package not just salary that can impact you financially in the near term (e.g. medical insurance benefits) and in the longer term (e.g. 401k program with corporate match). If pursuing your masters, you may want to focus on companies that provide education benefits and pursue a masters degree part time while you work.

Regards,
Margaret
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Todd’s Answer

I will agree with Lisa. This is NOT a degree-conscious field at all. It's not necessary. An advanced degree will allow you to supplement your income as an adjunct professor (a Master's degree is typically the minimum requirement), and most companies will treat it as the equivalent of couple of years of work experience once you've been in the industry for a year or two. But it won't give you much of a pay bump up front, nor will it help you land that first job.

The benefits of advanced degrees come very slowly -- probably even more slowly than your repayment schedule for the school debt (although assistantships can help offset that). There ARE benefits, but I've noticed them much later in life.

As for your second question, that's a much harder one to answer. WHO KNOWS what's going to be hot, even a couple of years from now.

In general, tech pays a bit more than consumer, at least at first. If you're not sure of what industry you want to go into, picking an agency job might be a good bet, as it'll typically give you a chance to explore a few different areas. As you get older, there are more opportunities on the client side, however, so bear that in mind -- there are only so many agencies but there are a lot of businesses that need marketing/PR help.
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