Become a Public Affairs Specialist
As advocates for organizations who want to build and maintain positive relationships with the public, public affairs specialists stay busy every day. Working largely for government agencies, these specialists ensure the public understands and supports the agency's policies and goals through media events and press releases.
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While there are no defined standards for becoming a public affairs specialist, most professionals begin with a bachelor's degree in public relations or communications and take an entry-level job in the field. Classes in public speaking, political science and computer science can benefit someone seeking a career as a public affairs specialist.
Degrees for Public Affairs Specialists
Most public affairs specialists have a bachelor's degree in public relations, political science or communications. Colleges often provide internships that can be invaluable in starting a career in public relations.
Students interested in becoming a public affairs specialist can join the Public Relations Student Society of America or the International Association of Business Communicators. They can also earn a designation as an Accredited Business Communicator.
Public Affairs Specialist Job Description
With the changing global political situation, candidates with language skills will have an advantage in this career field. Usually public affairs specialists work for a particular government agency and help the organization maintain a positive public face.
Some of the daily job duties of a public affairs specialist can include:
- Organizing political campaigns
- Setting up press conferences
- Compiling media kits
- Distributing press releases
- Advising the public on U.S. positions on foreign issues
- Issuing travel advisories and other public notices
- Preparing speeches and presentations for government officials
Public affairs specialists often work in high-pressure, busy offices concentrated in cities with a large government presence.
Public Affairs Specialist Salary
According to a survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics in May of 2006, the median earnings for a public affairs specialist working on the national level was $51,400, while the median for those working on a local level was $47,550.
With the increasing importance of public image in the government sector, the job outlook for public affairs specialists is good. Employment is expected to grow faster than average through 2016.
