Rowan PR chair, student and alumni shed light on careers in public relations and communication
A public relations degree prepares students for careers in media relations, corporate communications, marketing, social media, crisis communication and event planning. Because communication skills are needed across industries, graduates with a public relations degree can pursue careers in business, entertainment, sports, healthcare, nonprofits and government.
Rowan Blog contributor and senior public relations major Natalie D. shares a first-person perspective on careers with a public relations degree. After interviewing professors, students and alumni, she explores the many types of public relations jobs available to graduates.
Subject matter review and approval March 2026:
- Professor Cristin Kastner Farney, MA Public Relations
Careers You Can Pursue With a Public Relations Degree
Public relations graduates work in many industries because organizations need professionals who can communicate clearly with the public, media and stakeholders. Some common careers for PR majors include:
- Public relations specialist
- Media relations coordinator
- Social media manager
- Corporate communications manager
- Event planner
- Crisis communication specialist
- Public affairs advisor
- Marketing communications strategist
- Brand communications manager
- Content and storytelling strategist
- Nonprofit community relations specialist
Because communication skills apply across industries, PR graduates work within all types of businesses, including healthcare, sports, entertainment, nonprofits, technology, government and global corporations.
Wondering What You Can Do With a Public Relations Degree?
Being an undergraduate student while balancing classes, extracurricular activities and a social life can feel overwhelming. Like many students pursuing a public relations major, I had a general sense of what I wanted to do after graduation, but sometimes I still felt uncertain.
Whenever I visited home, someone would ask the same question: “What can you do with a communications degree?”
I knew there were many careers in public relations, but I also realized just how broad the field really is.
Public relations is a highly versatile profession within the communications industry. It connects organizations with their audiences and exists across industries including businesses, healthcare, entertainment, sports, technology, government and nonprofit organizations.
Because the field is so flexible, students often explore different types of PR jobs before finding their ideal career path.
To better understand the possibilities, I interviewed a Rowan University professor, current student and alumni about their experiences working in public relations careers and how a public relations degree shaped their professional journeys.
Types of Public Relations Jobs Across Industries
Dr. Suzanne Sparks FitzGerald is chairperson and a professor within Rowan’s Public Relations and Advertising Department who specializes in corporate and agency PR, but also has a lot of nonprofit and consulting experience concurrent with teaching.
Public Relations Major Department Chairperson Insight on Types of PR Jobs
When discussing types of public relations jobs available to graduates, she explains that nearly every industry needs communication professionals.
“All fields need a PR person, so healthcare, education, sports, entertainment, high tech companies, law firms, accounting firms, the arts, nonprofits and government agencies (e.g., NASA.) PR graduates can work in-house (which is working directly for organizations) or for agencies, which is also a popular choice for many grads,” she says.
She adds that there are many different types of PR jobs available.
“Some of the varied career paths within those industries include media relations, internal communication, digital marketing, crisis communication, special events and publicity, copywriting, public affairs (military and state/federal government PR), social media, media buying, fundraising and development and so much more.”
Dr. FitzGerald also emphasizes how the field continues to evolve.
“PR is a foundation that continues to grow. We are preparing students on how to think in the world – not just now, but for how it changes. We have successful Rowan PR grads in executive positions for types of jobs that didn’t even exist when they graduated – the field has evolved, and will continue to evolve, that much.”
When students ask what they can do with a communications degree, she says the answer is simple.
“When I hear young, interested students ask, ‘What can you do with a communications degree?’ the answer is: ‘This. You can do all of this. It is called public relations.’”
When I hear young, interested students ask, ‘What can you do with a communications degree?’ the answer is: ‘This. You can do all of this. It is called public relations.’
Public Relations Practitioner & PR Major Student Insight on Where PR Majors Work
One alumna echoes Dr. FitzGerald’s sentiments and shares this advice for today’s public relations majors thinking about what types of public relations jobs there are. Troi Barnes, a 2017 Rowan public relations graduate, says, “Your options are endless. Pick an industry you enjoy whether it be music, sports, entertainment or healthcare. Everyone needs a communication professional on their team.” After spending seven years working at marketing and PR agencies, and one year in media, in 2024 Troi embraced her new role: director of media relations at The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
When she was a graduating senior, Erica G. shared with us that she holds the same philosophy. A double major in theatre and public relations, she explains her intended public relations career path: “I am highly interested in pursuing in-house work for the arts. I had many experiences in junior year with agency life as the vice president of our PR firm on campus and as a classroom assistant in the public relations practicum course. Pursuing client work at an agency equally excites me.
“These majors perfectly complement each other. A theatre artist could try to get a job in PR, but without the knowledge of AP Style, they could never write a press release. A PR practitioner who wants to work in the arts but has never been involved in theatre cannot think the same way as an actor or audience member. My perspective gained from being a double major gave me a unique lens in my fields that other professionals do not have,” Erica continues.
Today, Erica is a marketing coordinator and national press contact for GFour Productions on Broadway in New York City, a role she has held for over two years.
What Skills Do Public Relations Professionals Need?
Students pursuing careers in public relations develop a wide range of communication and strategic skills.
According to Dr. FitzGerald, the most important skills when seeking a job in public relations include writing, staying informed on current events, presenting ideas clearly, conducting research and planning communications strategies.
From the industry perspective, Troi says, “The most important skills to have are strong writing skills, organization and public speaking skills,” she says.
These abilities allow public relations professionals to serve as a bridge between organizations and their audiences.
Why Internships Matter for Public Relations Majors
Experiential learning is one of the most important ways students prepare for careers with a public relations degree.
Public Relations Department Chairperson on Public Relations Internships
Dr. FitzGerald advises students to gain as much real-world experience as possible before graduating.
“Get as much experiential knowledge as possible. Take practicum [practical application] courses, have multiple internships, and join a pre-professional organization–Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Ad Club, Prof Agency, and the American Marketing Association where you can get actual experience before graduating,” she says.
Internships also help students remain competitive in the job market.
“You need to have practical experience such as internships because your peers will have it, and you will apply for the same jobs after graduation that they apply for,” Dr. FitzGerald reminds PR majors.
For students who cannot complete traditional internships, other opportunities can still help build experience.
“There are creative ways to gain that professional experience. Volunteer for a project that is meaningful to you for a nonprofit that you are passionate about; work alongside one of your professors to assist with research; join one of our PR clubs and commit to one continuous task over time, such as writing an article for a monthly newsletter,” she says. “There are creative ways to immerse yourself in the field, grow your craft and show future employers that you are serious about your education, both inside the classroom and beyond it.”
Public Relations Student & Alumna On the Value of Hands-on Experience in PR
Graduating senior Erica shares how these experiences have already helped her to grow professionally, discover her passions and build a foundation for her future career.
“PRSSA gave me the networking connections to jumpstart my career. From working closely with students and faculty to connecting on LinkedIn with our guest speakers, I know someone or know someone who knows someone in every realm of public relations,” Erica says.
“The culmination of my time with PRSSA flourished when I attended ICON 2022, the Public Relations Society of America’s International Conference. I led a group of our chapter members on a trip to Grapevine, TX, where we attended panels and lectures, exhibitions, career fairs and other networking events encapsulating the power of public relations.
“I also attended a brunch with all presidents from the PRSSA chapters in the United States. On the conference’s final day, I presented two awards for cystic fibrosis awareness and organ donation based on national competitions Rowan’s chapter runs. I was the only student presenting awards among all the PR professionals speaking and attending the ceremony! Joining PRSSA bettered my public relations practices on all fronts,” Erica concludes.
Media relations expert Troi reflects and shares insight on her internships and campus involvement as an undergraduate public relations student, “I was a PR intern for NBC Sports Philadelphia, while there I handled Eagles swag, worked behind the scenes during the pre-game shows, and helped plan the company’s staff events and partnering foundations events. I also interned in Rowan’s PR office under Barbara Baals and Pat Quigley, drafting press releases that focused on the engineering department. Lastly, I worked with Patty Jackson, the legendary radio host at WDAS. I provided her hot topics for her 411 segment, gather social media content during concerts and welcomed celebrity guests.”
She also gained practical career skills through her on campus work study job. “I started as an admissions ambassador [giving campus tours] and by the end of my time at Rowan I was an admissions ambassador coordinator [leading the student team.]” Both jobs helped Troi to grow in experience with public speaking and organization, skills employers value highly.
Public Relations Career Paths From Rowan Alumni
Troi reflects on why she chose the field, she says, “I honestly choose to study PR because I am nosy, I enjoy pop culture and I like providing people with sound advice and guidance. I also wanted to be behind the scenes of big new stories and events.”
When discussing potential career options for graduates with a public relations degree, she emphasizes the flexibility of the field.
“Your options are endless. Pick an industry you enjoy whether it be music, sports, entertainment or healthcare. Everyone needs a communication professional on their team.”
Combining Public Relations With Other Passions
Theatre and public relations double major Erica, discovered how communications can connect with creative industries.
“These majors perfectly complement each other. A theatre artist could try to get a job in PR, but without the knowledge of AP Style, they could never write a press release. A PR practitioner who wants to work in the arts but has never been involved in theatre cannot think the same way as an actor or audience member,” she explains.
She also notes that many career paths are available within the field, from her entry-level PR professional point of view.
“There are so many potential career options for graduates with a public relations degree. Some of which include corporate communications, crisis management, media relations, digital content creation and event planning.”
Careers in Public Relations and Marketing
Kristen Horneff, a 2020 Rowan public relations graduate who minored in strategic communication and journalism, now works as the director of client strategy for a public relations agency located in Haddonfield, NJ.
“I chose to study public relations because I had an interest in marketing/advertising, and I have always loved writing, and PR could be a great combination of both,” she says.
Kristen shares her point of view on long-term public relations career paths, “A PR degree can carry you such a far way. Graduates can pursue a traditional PR career, including writing releases, crafting media lists, making relationships with the press, or something else under the communications umbrella. On the other hand, a few of my PR classmates now work in marketing, advertising, sales, social media and other fields.“
She continues, “When I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue something other than a career in traditional public relations. However, I enjoy planning and organizing events and managing social media feeds. I completed a Disney College Program during undergrad, so my dream has always been to return to Disney in some capacity. I aim to work on one of their marketing teams in the future.“
She encourages students entering the field to trust their abilities.
“You have to have confidence to be competent,” says this agency PR practitioner.
In addition to her full time agency role, Kristen also works part time as a communications and marketing representative for a sports academy, a role she has held for seven years.
Long-Term Public Relations Career Paths
Amy Taylor, a 2002 Rowan public relations graduate, has crisscrossed the country working in communications roles for major global brands including Caesars Entertainment, Kia Motors, Toyota, Samsung and Amazon. As of early February 2026, she is the Total Rewards communications manager at Boeing.
“There are many hats you can wear with a public relations degree,” she says, rattling off of the top of her head from her time there, careers in corporate PR. “External communications, internal communications, corporate communications, public relations, public affairs, community relations, social impact, media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, public policy communications, sustainability communications, publicist, marketing communications, copywriting, speechwriting, social media, public information officer and thought leadership communications,” she says.
Amy continues, “Most of my career has been in communications roles. I have worn a lot of those previously listed hats. What is excellent about communications is that your skills can be utilized in any industry. In more recent years, I have focused on internal communications. I do not want anyone to leave the company because of poor communication. We live in a time where every employee can be an ambassador for a company’s brand, and I want to ensure that employee has the information they need to tell that story.“
She also emphasizes the importance of relationship-building.
“Understanding people and relationship-building are essential. When you work in any communications role, you are often a bridge between various business units because you work across many teams,” she says.
Amy adds, “Thinking strategically is essential – seeing the big picture and all the elements that make up that picture is essential. Writing and being able to pivot to write for different audiences and via different channels is something you will constantly be expected to do.“
Is Public Relations a Good Career Choice?
For students who enjoy storytelling, strategy and communication, public relations can be a rewarding and flexible career path.
The field offers opportunities in nearly every industry, from healthcare and technology to entertainment and nonprofit organizations.
For many students, the question begins with: What can you do with a public relations degree?
After speaking with professors, alumni and fellow students, the answer becomes clear: the possibilities are wide-ranging and constantly evolving.
In closing, I am proud that I chose to major in public relations. It’s hard to decide at 18 or 20 years old what you want to do for the rest of your life, but I feel confident and secure that my undergraduate college education in public relations at Rowan University provided me with the foundation for my career – wherever it may take me!
Editor note: Since the original publish date, Natalie has graduated and started her career. She pursued her interest in fashion, leading her to enroll in an MA in Global Fashion Retailing program at The London School of Fashion (UAL) in London.
According to her LinkedIn, she shares: “I focus on omnichannel retail strategy, consumer insights, brand management, and the evolving digital and experiential landscape of global fashion.
“Through this program, I am building a strong foundation in retail analytics, merchandising, and market-driven decision-making, with a passion for how brands can create meaningful, innovative, and sustainable experiences across both physical and digital touchpoints.
“I am committed to growing as a thoughtful and strategic professional, driven by curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love for the future of fashion,” Natalie concludes.
FAQ: Public Relations Careers
What can you do with a public relations degree?
Graduates with a public relations degree can work in media relations, corporate communications, social media strategy, crisis communication, marketing communications, event planning and public affairs across many industries.
What jobs can you get with a public relations degree?
Common public relations job types include PR specialist, communications coordinator, social media manager, media relations strategist, event planner, marketing communications manager and public affairs specialist.
What do public relations majors do?
Public relations majors study writing, media strategy, branding, research, crisis communication and digital media. These skills prepare them to manage communication between organizations and the public.
Is public relations a good career choice?
Public relations can be a strong career choice for people who enjoy writing, storytelling, strategy and relationship-building. Because communication is essential to nearly every industry, PR professionals have many career options.
Reviewed and updated by editor: March 2026
Story by:
Natalie D, senior public relations major
Header image: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio