Online Reputation Managers

High School

While in high school, take classes in English, creative writing, journalism, speech, public relations, and foreign languages to develop your communication skills—which are key for success in the online reputation management industry. Learn as much as you can about the Internet, and take computer science, database management, and social media classes. Other useful courses include social studies, government, psychology, mathematics, and statistics.

Postsecondary Education

Online reputation managers have a variety of educational backgrounds, although many have bachelor’s degrees in public relations. Others have degrees in marketing, journalism, English, communications, social media, and business. A master’s degree may be required for top managerial positions.

Other Education or Training

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offers webinars and in-person courses on topics such as reputation management, customer relations, corporate social responsibility, and ethics.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificates in public relations, marketing, creative writing, and related areas. The Public Relations Society of America offers the Principles of Public Relations certificate program, which is available at more than 50 universities across the U.S. Visit https://accreditation.prsa.org/MyAPR/Content/Apply/Certificate/Certificate.aspx for a list of schools.

Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an undergraduate certificate in brand and reputation management. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following classes: Public Relations Principles and Theory, Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communications, Brand and Reputation Management, Brand & Reputation Management Project, as well as one course from the following group of classes: Marketing Channels and Distribution Systems, New Product Development, Services Marketing, and Consumer Behavior. Visit https://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/collegeofbusiness/brandandreputationmanagement.