There are numerous job opportunities for people who hold a degree in public affairs. These individuals possess great communication and promoting skills that play a major role in client management and influencing media opinion.
Public affair is similar to public relationship-building since both focus on strengthening the mutual bond with their employer’s stakeholders. Unlike traditional beliefs, a career in public affairs is much more than being a lobbyist. The public affairs sector offers numerous paths, such as media relations, policy advice, and managing different campaigns.
The career is also well-suited for people who want to pursue public and private jobs. Moreover, it also helps an individual set a strong career foundation in public service. This guide will cover everything you need to know about a career in public affairs.
What does a Public Affair Professional Do?
A public affairs professional can adopt a range of roles and practice effectively. Most professionals often create, manage, and develop programs that serve the public’s interest. You can find these jobs in sectors such as the government, business communication, and social services. It ultimately offers an applicant amazing variety in terms of career choices.
Most qualified candidates prefer to work in private agencies or for the government. These professionals even work as freelancers and planners in political organizations on some occasions. Since they have the right skill-set, they can seamlessly fit into any sector and adopt various roles.
Here are some of the notable roles that public affairs professionals can adapt and perform effectively:
1. Monitoring
Any public affairs job will require the applicant to stay updated with the latest information. Thus, they need to monitor every development. They’ll have to keep an eye on different aspects, which include:
- Checking releases from parliaments
- Monitoring local political parties
- Think tanks and debates
- Media and legislations
2. Media Management
In some instances, the public affairs professional often has to perform similar duties as done by a PR. The only difference is that they do it with a political focus since it can be a major contributing factor for an organization. In media, they may have to perform different jobs, which include:
- Writing press releases and articles
- Research and copywriting
- Producing annual reports
- Database management
- Media contact management
On some occasions, they also conduct interviews with guests. There are many jobs that people with public affairs degrees can perform in the media industry.
3. Organizing Events
Public affairs professionals can also manage and organize different events and meetings with stakeholders. Before the event, the individuals can be asked to identify the relevant stakeholders to convey the message in a better way. Other jobs and tasks include:
- Attend parliamentary meetings
- Party conferences
- Attend related seminars
- International and national events
4. Communication with the Stakeholders
It is vital for public affairs professionals to maintain swift communication with stakeholders. They are usually required to convey information efficiently and coherently, so they may have to reply to important letters and queries.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Writing and composing internal and external briefing papers
- Producing letters and newsletters
- Holding meetings and presentations
5. Political Marketing
Since public affairs have plenty of association with politics, working in the sector may require preparing the relevant marketing material. These professionals must also build a company profile to make the government their client. They do this since they are keen to sell products and services to the government.
6. Making Networks and Contacts
Public affairs professionals have to lead the room with effective communication skills. They need enough confidence to make new connections and expand the network. Most of the time, making connections is all about meeting people and forming connections with them.
Private firms may expect these professionals to make connections across different sectors and boost the company’s exposure. Communication skills come naturally to some, but some may need to learn them before having an advantage.
7. Professional Lobbyist
Lobbying is one of the most popular options for public affairs graduates since it makes good use of their skills. It is also easier to practice as a lobbyist as long as they follow the government rules and guidelines. Lobbyist uses their communication and negotiation skills to ensure that courts pass favorable laws for clients.
The best thing about being a professional lobbyist is that almost all top companies hire lobbyists to ensure that courts pass the maximum number of legislations in their favor.
Earning Potential as a Public Affairs Professional
Since numerous jobs are available in different sectors involving different tasks, it can be hard to determine an accurate expected salary. In the public affairs sector, specialists can make up to $40,000 to $91,000, depending on the job type and sector.
To exceed the $90,000 mark, they are often required to take more senior roles such as marketing managers and directors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can Public Affairs Graduates Work With?
These professionals usually work in private and government sectors as in-house employees. Trade unions, political parties, and private companies are also interested in their services.
What are Some Common Roles for Public Affairs Graduates?
You can work as a law enforcement officer and policy analyst in the government sector. In businesses, they can expect to be PR specialists, Human resource managers, and marketing executives.
What is the Minimum Education we need?
Small roles in public affairs may require an associate degree for a bachelor’s. On the other hand, senior roles may require a graduate degree.
Final Thoughts
Public affairs offer a promising career to candidates as long as they stay ahead of the curve. There is a shortage of demand for them, and therefore, it is one of the ideal picks for some individuals.