A relevant degree in communications sounds like the logical path for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in PR (public relations). After all, the two fields are inherently intertwined, since communications form the foundation of effective PR strategies.
However, many PR roles don’t solely require a communications degree to qualify; they accept professionals from other fields such as marketing, media, or journalism. This begs the question: Is a communications degree enough to equip you for a career in PR?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of this path and examine whether it remains relevant in today’s PR landscape.
What a communications-focused degree does right for a career in PR?
Strong foundations in PR concepts
Giving some context, I graduated from an autonomous university in Singapore with a business degree majoring in communications. Why? Because back in junior college, I was sure that working in the field of communications and/or public relations was the career I wanted.
My communications degree gave me direct exposure to a curriculum focusing on the foundations of stakeholder management. Throughout my course, I encountered a combination of both theoretical and practical components that grounded me in the essentials of PR concepts and frameworks. From crisis management to media relations and brand storytelling, my modules were designed to simulate real-world challenges.
Additionally, through my internships, I witnessed how classroom knowledge translated into actual agency or in-house work environments. Having the classroom learning with on-the-ground experience helped solidify a deeper understanding of how communications can influence public perception.
Transferrable skills across various industries
Another major advantage of pursuing a communications degree is the versatility it offers. Unlike degrees that limit you to a specific sector, communications prepares you for a variety of industries. Whether you end up in healthcare, tech, fashion, or finance, the ability to communicate effectively is a universal skill that all businesses value.
Today, businesses require individuals who can communicate strategically across different cultures, platforms, and mediums. A communications degree, especially one that emphasises practical projects and real-world case studies, ensures graduates are adaptable, versatile, and ready to apply their skills in a range of settings.
Where a communications-focused degree falls short when it comes to a career in PR
Saturated PR job market
Breaking into the industry – particularly in markets like Singapore – can be an uphill battle. The PR sector is heavily saturated, meaning competition for PR roles, especially within agencies (from my own experience as a fresh graduate), is fierce. In my journey, competition was tough when it came time to apply for full-time roles. Even with internship experience at an agency under my belt, securing interviews at reputable PR agencies did not come by easily. The sheer number of candidates competing for the same entry-level roles can be overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to face numerous rejections before securing a role that matches your aspirations.
For fresh graduates entering the industry with hopes of working for high-profile agencies or prestigious brands, the reality is often harsh. While a communications degree equips you with knowledge, it doesn’t guarantee you a job. Sometimes, standing out in this cutthroat industry might be easier when you possess a different degree, with certain soft skills that bring a unique value to the workplace.
Lack of industry-specific skills
Unlike fields, such as IT or engineering, where students graduate with proficiency in specific programming languages or technical tools, a communications degree doesn’t arm you with the same tangible, measurable skills.
This gap became clear when I compared my communications degree to peers in more technical disciplines. While I felt well-versed in design thinking, media management, and content creation, there were areas, particularly in digital PR, where I found myself lacking. Skills like search engine optimisation (SEO), data analytics, and social media management tools have become increasingly crucial, however, these were things that I did not learn about when pursuing my communications degree.
Bridging the gap through internships and self-learning for a career in PR
During my academic journey, internships were more than just opportunities to enhance my resume. They helped me gain a deeper understanding of the expectations within the PR industry.
Additionally, I engaged in self-learning in areas such as digital marketing tools, website development, and public speaking. This allowed me to cultivate a more comprehensive skill set that aligns better with the demands of the industry.
So, is a communications-focused degree still relevant for a career in PR?
To those aspiring to pursue a career in PR, it is essential to go beyond the theoretical requirements when pursuing the degree. While a communications degree provides a solid foundation, undeniably, internships and independent learning are crucial in pushing your understanding and knowledge in the field.
The PR industry, especially in competitive markets, demands more than just theoretical knowledge; it requires creativity, adaptability, and a desire to stay ahead of trends. The most successful professionals are those who continually seek growth opportunities, whether through internships, certifications, or independent learning.
Despite its limitations, I still believe a communications degree remains relevant in today’s job market. Although it may not cover every skill needed for the role, the degree offers a broad understanding of the key principles of communication and encourages students to think critically and strategically, both of which are vital for a successful career in PR.
Are you interested in learning more about building a career in PR? Contact us at hello(a)syncpr.co to find out more!