Careers In Music.com

Public Relations Trainee

$23,000 to $28,000+

Public Relations Assistant, P.R. Trainee

Assistant/apprentice to the P.R. Counselor.
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About This Music Career

Even though a Public Relations Trainee may have little experience in public relations, they usually have experience working at publicity firms that are not music-oriented. As a trainee, one will learn how to develop a campaign for a musical act or product. Also, he or she learns to talk to clients, while gathering information and maybe drafting press releases. Another important task of the PR Trainee is to establish contacts at press conferences or parties.


Overall, the Trainee is basically learning how to assemble important press functions by studying previous campaigns that were constructed and implemented. Doing so, the Trainee is looking to develop the campaign "hook." Other Trainee responsibilities include responding to client calls revolving around dates, times, etc. Once dates and times are set, the Trainee often accompanies clients to interviews and other public appearances. When not accompanying, the Trainee might attend social functions on behalf of the firm or its clients.


Sometimes companies have clipping services, but if they don't, the PR Trainee might be responsible for clipping press releases, articles, stories, and photographs of their client from magazines, newspapers, trades, and more. Each of these clippings is then put into a client's portfolio along with interview tapes, advertisements, etc.

Salaries
Working as a Public Relations Trainee, you can expect to earn a relatively low salary, usually around $23,000 for someone who does not have any PR experience. For those who have worked in the public relations industry, the earnings might increase to about $28,000.


Employment
For those seeking a position as a Public Relation Trainee, employment prospects are fair. Jobs can be found at music-oriented public relations firms or radio stations, night clubs, concert venues, music stores, and record labels.


Advancement
Usually, one becomes a Trainee so they can soon advance into a full-fledged PR counselor or publicist. So, advancement prospects are also fair for the Public Relations Trainee. This advancement may come with the same company for which the Trainee is currently working, or with another.


Education and Training
A college degree in public relations, English, journalism, or communications is most useful for the Trainee. They must also be highly skilled in creative writing, regardless of their major.


Experience, Skills, and Personality
As mentioned, good writing skills are needed, and these skills can be obtained by working for a college newspaper or writing concert reviews for a local magazine or newspaper is useful. They must be creative and they should have an outgoing personality. A summer internship can give the opportunity to build and strengthen these skills, while making strong contacts.


Unions and Associations
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will allow Public Relations Trainees to belong as members, where they can receive useful booklets and attend seminars throughout the country.


Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Even though a summer internship position might not pay anything, interns might get positions as trainees in the company after the summer internship period has ended.
  • Try and write for a local or college paper reviewing concerts and records. Then, obtain copies of the clippings and send them with your résumé to prove that you have talent and the skills necessary.
  • Check the classified sections of newspapers for any advertised positions.
  • Take advantage of minority training programs if you qualify.
  • Always check for opportunities online.