Career Paths the Role of a Publicist
We live in a society that is very image conscious. Celebrities and big businesses often invest heavily for a good publicist. A publicist is a glamorous role and you need to be creative, ambitious and a social butterfly. You will have the perfect opportunity to working with a number of people who are all from different walks of life.
The main role of a publicist will be to create public interest in his/her client or the client’s products. The exact duties will really depend on your client and what the individual needs of your client are. As there are so many different clients who like to use the services of a good publicist what you do will depend highly on who you work for.
Publicists will be in charge of organizing and directing any contact with the media. You will be expected to develop a press release. If not you will develop other informative material to talk to the press. You will need to work closely with your client and they will give you instructions as to what their goals are. Using this information you will try and represent your client in the best way possible.
You will need to be able to speak to a large audience and in the public. Often you may work as a spokesperson for press conferences. You will need to be well-informed so that you can answer any questions about a matter and again show your client in the best light.
In order to become a publicist you will need to have a bachelor degree for most clients. Most clients will prefer a degree that is in public relations. People with degrees in other fields may also apply. A business, journalist or communications degree is also helpful.
Your natural ability to communicate and a strong personality will also be helpful. Additionally you may find that any work experience or internships that you may have done will also help you in your chosen career path. Whenever you can you should try and use an opportunity to learn and improve your speaking and people’s skills.
A publicist can expect to make anything between $30,000 to $50, 000 per year. As the demand is increasing the pay is starting to increase dramatically. Good publicists can earn more than this. To really make it big in this path you should have plenty of passion and love being part of this industry.
