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how long did/does it take to land a job in PR and marketing?

what types of tasks do you do day to day in those jobs?

+25 Karma if successful
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Subject: Career question for you

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Kale,

Landing a Job in PR and Marketing: The time it takes to land a job in public relations (PR) and marketing can vary significantly depending on various factors such as your qualifications, experience, networking skills, the job market conditions, and the specific industry you are targeting. Generally, for entry-level positions in PR and marketing, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to secure a job. However, for more senior or specialized roles, the process could take longer.

To increase your chances of landing a job in PR and marketing efficiently, consider the following steps:

Education and Training: Having a relevant degree in fields like communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism can be beneficial. Additionally, certifications or courses in digital marketing or social media management can enhance your skills.
Internships and Work Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in PR agencies, marketing firms, or corporate communications departments can give you an edge in the job market.
Networking: Building a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant associations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can help you access hidden job opportunities.
Portfolio Development: Creating a portfolio showcasing your work such as writing samples, campaign strategies, social media content, or press releases can demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Job Search Strategies: Utilizing online job boards, career fairs, recruitment agencies, and leveraging personal connections can aid in finding suitable job openings.

Day-to-Day Tasks in PR and Marketing Jobs: The day-to-day tasks in PR and marketing roles can vary based on the specific position and industry; however, some common responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing strategic communication plans
Writing press releases, articles, blog posts, and other promotional materials
Managing social media accounts and creating engaging content
Conducting market research and analyzing consumer trends
Building relationships with media outlets and influencers
Organizing events such as product launches or press conferences
Monitoring brand reputation and handling crisis communication situations

Overall, working in PR and marketing requires creativity, strong communication skills, adaptability to changing trends, analytical thinking abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): PRSA is one of the largest professional organizations for public relations practitioners. It provides valuable insights into industry trends, best practices in PR strategies, career development resources for professionals at all levels.
American Marketing Association (AMA): AMA is a trusted resource for marketers worldwide offering research insights into marketing trends across various industries. It provides information on effective marketing strategies and tools for career advancement.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses on PR and marketing topics delivered by industry experts. These courses cover a wide range of subjects from basic principles to advanced strategies helping professionals enhance their skills.

These sources were instrumental in providing accurate information on landing jobs in PR and marketing as well as detailing the day-to-day tasks involved in these professions.

God Bless You,
JC.
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Darren’s Answer

As you've already read above, your path will be unique. To help speed up your search, target a few companies or agencies that interest you. Learn about their business, brand, competitors, challenges, etc. Make connections with those in the organization who may be able to help you get an interview or provide insight on what it is like to work for that company. Are you willing to relocate? Early in your career is probably the most flexible time you'll ever have, so be open to the idea. It could lead to great things.
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Lauren’s Answer

Hey Kale,

Remember, everyone's journey is unique! I've seen folks in the industry secure jobs just a few months into their active hunt, while for some it might take a bit longer. But don't let that discourage you! The most effective strategy you can adopt is to keep your finger on the pulse of ever-changing marketing trends, craft a standout personal portfolio, and network with fellow industry professionals.

Here's to your success! :)
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Sydney’s Answer

Hi Kale,

It definitely varies. Some people find entry-level positions soon after graduation, while others may take longer. It took me a little longer to find a career in marketing. Before that, I spent time building my portfolio and working different jobs to meet new people and get experience. Skills from any job can be valuable! Networking, internships, and relevant coursework can accelerate the process. Aim to build a strong portfolio and connect with industry professionals whenever you can!
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Michelle’s Answer

I was able to find a job in marketing straight out of college. Remember, there are different routes you can take. I would recommend exploring both agencies and corporate positions. In my experience, both tracks offer entry level positions. For me, I started out in Financial Services marketing after working a part time job during college at a local Investment/retail brokerage firm. When I graduated I applied for a corporate marketing position with that same organization, and got the job. I worked for 15 years in various marketing positions with that organization and then moved to Deloitte. At Deloitte, I'm marketing our services to the Financial Services industry and being a part of a Big 4 firm has been very rewarding. You may also want to consider if it's more important that you find a job in your chosen field or if you want to work for a specific company or industry and then prioritize appropriately when starting your job search. And remember, you can start anywhere and build experience that can be valuable in another field, company, or professional role. I wish you the very best of luck!
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Zoha’s Answer

It depends on your proposals and luck to land a job.But as the competition is high in the fields so it could be challenging. You must be very hard working and optimistic because the job search can make you tired.
Tasks to do are
1 Planning a strategy.
2 Communicating with people for good relations.
3 Content Creation.
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Katherine’s Answer

Just in general throughout your life, it can be useful to keep in mind this heuristic--that it might be changing now in the 2020s, but for a long time, if you are looking for a job/don't have a job, "your job" then becomes looking for a job, and so you could spend up to 8 hours a day doing what you can think of to find a good job, like you would work 8 hours a day if you were going to be working at a particular job. And for every $10,000 you want to earn in a year, expect that it could take a month of searching; so if you want a job that pays $80,000 a year, it can take about 8 months to find a job that pays that much.

If you just keep those things in mind, then you can feel less worried about how things go day to day. And check out Ken Coleman's books From Paycheck to Purpose and The Proximity Principle for more about jobs and job hunting.
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Justin’s Answer

Hi Kale!

As noted in another comment, the time it takes to get a role in PR and Marketing varies, but there are a few things that can help speed up the process.

First and foremost, networking is key! When students think about networking, they tend to think of going to a big event where they wait to speak to C-suite executives. I found that networking amongst your peers in college is just as effective for getting your foot in the door. My first professional internship came from a discussion I had with a fellow student in the library my senior year. He and I worked on a project together freshman year, and from that connection I was able to secure my first internship which turned into my first job.

Second is to have a portfolio of your work in all mediums - writing, video production, photography, social media, etc.! A well balanced PR/Marketing professional should have at least a familiarity with all aspects of communication channels and learning these as a college student/young professional will show hiring managers your abilities.

Lastly, internships are vital. Take any opportunity you are able to learn in a business environment whether its at an agency or in-house at a larger corporation.
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Mary’s Answer

Personally, what helped me not only get a job but also narrow down that PR was something I wanted to do was the number of internships I did within the PR space. I explored website building, social media, and other various roles within PR during my internships, which allowed me to develop and showcase those skills on my resume. Additionally, I earned certifications through free websites like Coursera to enhance my resume and engage in continuous learning. These experiences and credentials were instrumental in helping me secure a job in PR and marketing.
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Amanda’s Answer

PR and marketing can be a great career to start with! Most organizations have a clear entry level career option with a path for growth. It can also be a really fun career that can expose you to a lot of strategy, creativity, and often fun events.

The time to land that first job can vary greatly, but I'll answer for both someone currently in school, as well as someone who has recently graduated.

If you're currently in school, the stronger your experience and resume, the more likely you will be to land that first job, and it's likely about a three month time table. I strongly recommend trying to land at least one internship related to PR or marketing prior to graduation. Be creative in how you think about this - it could be for a non-profit in your town, or explore some of the big organizations for their more formal programs. During your senior year, start reaching out to some organizations you might be interested in, and find out if they have a formal recruiting process - if they do, you'll want to ensure you get your application in with their timeline, typically during the Spring semester. If you're selected, you could expect some interviews and then an offer, potentially before you graduate. You should also be looking for other opportunities and applying directly, as well as networking to find out about the unposted opportunities. For an entry level role, it's possible someone meets you, likes you, and decides to add a new role because they realize they could use some support.

If you didn't secure something before graduation, never fear! Keep networking, keep applying, but don't just sit at home. Find volunteer opportunities, look for another internship, keep networking and try to strengthen your resume. Again, plan on at least three months from the time you find an opportunity until the time you might start.

Good luck!
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