A person who wants to become a press agent can approach this career from a number of angles. Some press agents attend college to obtain professional certifications, others work their way up in a press office with on-the-job training, and some come to careers in public relations from journalism and other fields. The best approach can depend on the type of work a person wants to do. In all cases, a press agent needs to be a skilled communicator who can work with a variety of people, often under pressure and in settings that may be less than ideal.
The college route to become a press agent involves getting a degree in a field like public relations, journalism, communications, media, or a related field. While in college, the student may want to consider internships in the media to gain practical experience and professional connections. It is also advisable to study social media, even if a press agent doesn't plan to work directly with social media platforms. It can be important to understand how information disseminates through social media, and how companies can use this to their advantage.
Another option is to simply start working in press offices. Companies usually have large public relations departments and may have beginner positions open to individuals with minimal qualifications, including new high school graduates. One advantage to working up through a media office to become a press agent is developing a familiarity with all the jobs in the office and the staff who perform them. Not all companies make entry-level positions available to people without college degrees. High school students considering this route may want to look up current job listings to see if they should go to college to access more opportunities.
Some press agents come to their work from careers in journalism. A person who wants to become a press agent in this way can work for news agencies and then apply into public relations departments. One advantage of journalism experience is professional connections. A press agent who knows the journalists he will interact with can have an advantage when it comes to handling and presenting information. Some careers in journalism require going to school for a degree first, while others may accept trainees who start from the ground up.
After becoming a press agent, joining a professional organization can be helpful. These organizations provide access to trade publications, colleagues, and professional conferences that will help a press agent do her job more effectively. A person who has become a press agent may also find it helpful to have a professional membership when it comes to applying for work. Credentials of this nature can impress an employer and may help people land jobs and negotiate the best wages and benefits possible.
