Assume you have recently graduated from college and have three different job opportunities in the PR field. The first offer is from a large PR agency, the second is from a private corporation, and the third is from a non-profit organization. Briefly describe the advantages and/or disadvantages of each position. Which one would you take? Why?

What will be an ideal response?

The benefit of joining an agency is that the focus and business is on public relations. The opportunity to learn new tactics and strategies, benefit from a colleague’s industry experience or bounce an idea of someone with more experience is actively encouraged. Staff members in a corporate communications department are usually responsible for media relations, executive, internal, and financial communications if the company has public shareholders and is listed on a stock exchange. A career in corporate public relations can be challenging and rewarding, and the compensation and benefits are often quite good. As well, corporate PR positions can be somewhat more stable and less susceptible to economic downturns or client mandated changes that can directly impact agency work and staffing. PR professionals at a nonprofit will have responsibility for media relations and executive counsel as well as supporting the ongoing fundraising efforts and membership communications. The measure of success in this setting is more often measured in awareness, membership growth and fundraising success.