How to Develop the Top 5 Skills you Need for a Career in Public Relations

This expertise will prepare you for public relations and many more professions

Communicating is so integral to how we live our daily lives, we often don’t even notice it. It’s how we interact with people, form deeper connections and express ourselves. For public relations professionals, however, communication is a skill that must be learned, mastered and executed intentionally.

If you’re considering jobs in strategic public relations, communications or media, earning a master’s degree in strategic communication & public relations (SCPR) can help you hone the top skills you need to launch and enhance your career.

What are those skills?

Interpersonal Communication

Mastering the art of communication—in small groups or one-on-one—may seem simple for some, but it’s actually a nuanced skill that requires practice, research and diligence. Effective communicators can empathize with their audience and are receptive and responsive. Tailoring your communication approach to your audience can help you pitch stories, give feedback and build your network.

In a master’s program, you’ll learn how to have clear intent, focus on the other person, easily ask questions and provide critiques and include calls to action—skills that create productive, professional conversations.

Public Speaking

As a PR professional, public speaking is a skill that you’ll need to call upon regularly. Whether you’re speaking at a press conference, giving an interview or presenting to the board of directors, you’ll need to be confident speaking in front of a group.

In SHU’s master’s program in strategic communication & public relations, you’ll be given many opportunities to practice your presentation skills, build your personal brand and deliver clear messages about the clients you represent. You’ll graduate with more confidence and credibility that will enhance your leadership qualities for many career paths.

Multimedia

The media we consume every day—advertising, entertainment, music and more—influences and disrupts the way we view the world. SHU’s master’s curriculum includes courses in ethics, consumer culture and digital media that will help you better understand the landscape.

In short, you’ll understand how media works—and you’ll be equipped to provide your company or clients with up-to-date solutions to propel their businesses forward.

Social Media

In today’s world, being plugged in is usually as automatic as getting up in the morning. The number of social media users worldwide has swelled to a record 4.9 billion people globally, according to Forbes magazine. And, understandably, 77% of businesses use social media to reach customers.

At SHU, you’ll learn how to be a social media detective, learning to scout out trends and leverage social media to build your own résumé and increase results on the most popular platforms.

Written Communications

As a PR professional, the bulk of your time may be spent writing. Whether it’s press releases, emails, talking points, media statements or social media posts, a good PR professional is a good writer. The best public relations graduate programs will teach you how to write effective copy and timely articles for your key audiences—and that, in a sense, is what public relations is all about.

Why should you get your MA in Strategic Communication & Public Relations at Sacred Heart University?

Students in Sacred Heart University’s program acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in various segments of the communication industries. With the guidance of award-winning scholars and media professionals, students build the advanced skills to communicate effectively across media platforms in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

Delivered in a hybrid format, the SCPR curriculum is designed so full-time students can complete their degree in one year by attending class two nights a week. Part-time students graduate in two years and only attend class one night a week.

SHU’s small class size and strong community partnerships mean individualized attention and meaningful access to more than 100 nonprofit organizations, businesses and media outlets for networking, internships and potential jobs.

Think the Master’s Program at Sacred Heart University Might Be for You?

Curious about earning your graduate degree in strategic communication & public relations? Talk to Ed Nassr, associate director of graduate admissions, at nassre@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!