Public Relations Managers

Promotion to director of public relations or other executive positions within a company are common advancement routes for managers. To stay competitive, you may want to continue your education, either with a master's degree in public relations or business administration.

Another advancement possibility includes moving to a company with a larger public relations budget and staff, and possibly higher compensation. Some experienced managers may opt to start their own public relations firm, or work as a public relations consultant on a freelance basis.

Advancement may be accelerated by participating in advanced training programs sponsored by industry and trade associations or by enrolling in continued education programs at colleges and universities. Firms sometimes offer tuition reimbursement for these programs. Managers committed to improving their knowledge of the field and of related disciplines—especially computer information systems—will have the best opportunities for advancement.