To become a media relations manager, a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field is required, along with experience as a journalist or in public relations. Internships and jobs in related fields can provide valuable experience, and a background in both print and broadcast media is advantageous.
The requirements for becoming a media relations manager vary greatly depending on the organization. At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field is required. Many companies also prefer that their media relations managers also have experience as journalists or at a lower level of public relations work. While it may be possible to become a media relations manager with education or experience alone, it is somewhat rare.
The first thing to consider when becoming a media relations manager is an appropriate field of study. You might want to major in journalism or public relations. Marketing courses that focus on mass communication techniques can also help you get a chance with many companies. The benefit of these degrees is that they all offer opportunities beyond media relations.
Internships are a popular way to build a portfolio of work in the field. These opportunities can be in non-profit organizations or in more traditional companies. Non-profit organizations often appreciate help when dealing with the media, as this is a way to get your message out to a mass audience without too much expense. In some cases, these internships can be paid, but those who find non-profit internships shouldn’t expect any money for their efforts.
If you have a background in print and broadcast media, you may have an advantage when trying to become a media relations manager. Effective media relations can only be achieved if the individual has a thorough understanding of both media. For example, good television stories require effective visuals to accompany the words. In printed materials, visuals are still important, but not as vital. A good still image, which can be much easier to provide, can accomplish the same task.
While you may not be able to find a job as a media relations manager right away, don’t worry too much and consider other alternatives. Jobs in traditional journalism may not pay as much, but they can offer good training in the field. Often, the best media managers are those who have had hands-on experience as a journalist, spending five years or more in a news position. While this might not be your dream job, it can help you understand what a journalist’s job entails once you become a media relations manager.
Whenever you find a job that deals with public relations, it might be wise to consider it. Even in smaller companies, where you may not be able to move up very quickly, this can provide valuable experience. When you can point to the coverage you’ve secured, it provides a selling point when it comes time to look for that next job.
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