The story...
Good at making friends? You might think about translating your relationship-building abilities into a career in Public Relations. The PR department is responsible for promoting goodwill between itself and the public. Its main objective is to construct a positive reputation for the organization.

Public relations practitioners, also referred to as media specialists, are experts in effective communication. This skill is especially important for managing and advising an organization if it gets into trouble. Professionals must also convey concerns and expectations of the public to management. This broad field takes on forms like investor and employee relations, marketing or product publicity and customer service.

Public relations professionals have to stay on their toes, because the majority of their work is deadline-driven. Busy PR offices are a flurry of activity and incoming projects. For example, a junior employee might answer calls for information from the press and public, work on invitation lists and details for a press conference, help with research, write brochures and help escort visitors and clients. (Phew.)

To work in PR...
You will need a college degree to prepare yourself, so look into public relations or other mass communication programs. Also consider a minor in business, which is the second most important area of study for PR students.

An entry-level position at a public relations firm is an excellent way to get a taste for several PR specialty areas at once. Most agencies not only require internship experience, but also offer them to students (sometimes even paid!).

A small firm may provide opportunities for you to get involved in a variety of projects at an earlier stage in your career. Small agencies also tend to specialize in one area of expertise, such as technology or health care.

And here's an interesting factoid: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than half of the 98,000 PR professionals are women.

Want more info?
Check out the Public Relations Society of America.