Exploring Careers in Public Affairs

PRSSA members got the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. this past week to network and learn more about careers in public affairs!

By Molly Gilarde

One of the most exciting things about public relations is that there is so much you can do within it. Nearly every field or business has a need for PR and the options can be overwhelming. One of the subfields of public relations that students can pursue is public affairs. Public affairs allows PR practitioners the opportunity to work in the field of politics in a variety of ways. 

PR agencies can provide opportunities to work in public affairs. These firms allow public relations specialists the chance to work with a variety of clients and issues. Another potential career path for those interested in public affairs is to work for a public official. This can be a great way to truly make an impact for what you care about. Public officials need a variety of roles to be filled, so there is likely to be one that fits your strengths. Communications directors have a broad range of duties, making sure that all communications strategies are being followed and ensuring that the official has a consistent message and brand. More specialized roles, such as speechwriting, are also necessary for public officials. Speechwriters need to have an understanding of politics and political issues and be able to translate those ideas to the general public in a memorable way. Nonprofits also benefit from the work of public affairs practitioners. Similar to working for a public official, this is a great pathway for students who are passionate about a particular political topic or issue. 

One way that Grady students can get involved in public affairs during their time in college is through the PAC program. Grady’s Public Affairs Communications certificate was the first undergraduate program in the country to focus on this field. Students enrolled in the certificate program take Grady classes as well as political science classes and gain a lot of skills for working in the field before graduation. There is also the Grady DC Field Study and Internship Program, which combines public affairs communications classes with an internship in the field over the summer. This is another great way for Grady students to gain valuable, hands-on experience in public affairs. In addition, clubs like PRSSA often feature guest speakers who work in public affairs who can provide valuable insight. Last semester, PRSSA hosted Amanda Maddox, managing director of PLUS Communications, an agency focused on public affairs communications. Learning from those already in the field is a great way to network, make connections, and set yourself up for the future. 

These are only a few ways to get involved with public affairs as a potential career!