Press secretaries need experience working in politics. Some may have prior experience in journalism as well. They should be skilled communicators, adept at presenting written and oral messages, frequently under intense pressure with tight time deadlines. They must know how to work as part of a political team and feel comfortable interacting with voters and members of the press, some of whom may be hostile toward them.
In this career, you need to be extremely organized and capable of juggling many different tasks, from quickly writing ads and press releases to developing budgets and expense accounts. You need good problem-solving skills and some imagination when putting a positive spin on negative issues. Strong people skills are important so that you can develop contacts within government and the media. You should feel comfortable with public speaking, leading press conferences, and speaking on behalf of your employers and clients. You should also enjoy competition. You can't be intimidated by people in power or by journalists questioning the issues addressed in your campaigns.
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