Thanks to my colleague, , for pointing out this exciting projection by the (BLS) about the growth of public relations in the next decade. (Well, it’s exciting to me.)

According to the BLS in its , there are some impressive statistics about we specialists in public relations, and I’d like to share the most poignant (these are unedited and taken from the book as listed above):

• Employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Employment in public relations firms is expected to grow as firms hire contractors to provide public relations services, rather than support more full-time staff when additional work is needed.
• The need for good public relations in an increasingly competitive and global business environment should spur demand, especially for those with specialized knowledge or international experience.
• Employees who possess additional language capabilities also are in great demand.
• The recent emergence of social media in public relations is expected to increase job growth as well. Many public relations firms are expanding their use of these tools, and specialists with such skills are needed.

It’s encouraging to see the public relations profession growing. As an which also contracts for other businesses/agencies, I’ve noticed an expanding interest for public relations practitioners by companies that have never hired one in the past.

Much of what I do with clients is to educate them about public relations. It is a somewhat esoteric practice for those who don’t work in the field. I’m going to do my best in this space to help clarify what public relations services are and how companies should engage a senior practitioner or even a small agency.

If anyone has any questions on that front, please send them along! That will help direct my writing. Happy Monday, All!

Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Public Relations Specialists. (See link above, please.)