Public Relations

Implementing planned programs of action that will best serve an organization's and the public's interest.

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Majors > Communication > Public Relations

"This major has given me the skills I need to change the world"

Shannon Thomas ’12

5 Reasons to Study Public Relations at JBU

1

Develop Real Campaigns

Work with an external client to create a public relations plan from beginning to end. Students have partnered with Saving Grace in Rogers, Arvest Bank, the FeedOne program and a national college credit testing center.

2

Work with Top Professors

Dr. Marquita Smith was named one of the top journalism professors nationwide in 2012 by Journalismdegree.org.

3

Create in Great Spaces

The newly renovated space in the Communication Department provides students with professional settings for hands-on media training to prepare for a media career.

4

Apply Your Skills

Students fulfill their internship requirements at global and non-profit organizations, media publications and church communication departments as communication and public relations specialists.

5

Engage the Public

Get the word out about JBU’s award winning newspaper, The Threefold Advocate while filling advertisement space, increasing circulation and establishing media relationships for greater public engagement.

Careers You Can Pursue With A Public Relations Degree

1

Public Relations

This position requires mediation between an organization or company and the press. Protecting the company image is crucial, and can be done through many forms of media, which is why communication majors are great for these positions.

2

Lobbyist

Lobbyists work for large firms, awareness groups, unions and businesses. These professionals advocate for their clients, which means they need excellent skills in communication, writing and critical thinking.

3

College Admissions

Colleges, universities, seminaries and graduate schools all need help maintaining enrollment. These positions require excellence in dialogue abilities, diligence, creative thinking and helpful attitudes.

4

Public Affairs Officer

This job is similar to public relations and is usually a managerial role within a business or company.

5

Public Relations Writer

These individuals write press releases, manage social media and handle press related issues. Typically, these positions work within a larger public relations office.

6

Marketing Communications Specialist

Businesses in the public and private sector are always looking for professionals who can help them market their product. Specifically, they look for individuals who can use a variety of media in creative ways to market their products to specific demographics. These types of positions are perfect for communication majors.

7

Special Events Coordinator

This type of marketing job requires individuals who can communicate with outside customers for a company, remain organized and still specialize in customer service.

8

Media Relations

Businesses may look for people to help them with marketing in television, radio, social media or other print material.

9

Media Coordinator

This position requires excellence in communication to coordinate marketing between different types of media. Companies hire media coordinators to work with internal communications as well as handle brand image, campaigns and marketing images.

Alumni Profile

Adrianne Karasek '12

Adrianne Karasek '12

Adrianne Karasek graduated with a double major in journalism and political science and works as a communications specialist for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce in Memphis, Tenn. She recently got her master’s degree in international affairs and plans to work in the international nonprofit sector as a political policy analyst or media and communications officer.

Olivia Rollene '15

Olivia Rollene '15

Olivia is the Marketing and Program Coordinator at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. The Center runs programs for start-up and existing small businesses to help them build, grow and sustain their company. “The classes and requirements for Public Relations at JBU really helped me to feel as prepared as possible for this position. They were structured to give me real-life experiences in writing and various situations I had to deal with. I love that I was able to take a variety of classes, because that has equipped me to meet several different types of needs.”

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