Main Content
Political Communications and Public Relations
Political Journalism, Public/Press Relations, Citizen Participation, Political Marketing and Advertising, Corporate Communications, Lobbying, Transparency
The field of “political communications” is vast and diverse. The “public sphere” is a special philosophical-political concept, and working in and on the public sphere is one of the “domains” of political science professionals. Political, critical, investigative journalism is based on well-reflected personal positioning, formulated values and goals and, of course, on “talent”: all elements that can be cultivated well and developed while studying political science. Formal access to the profession begins with internships with the relevant publishing institutions, while content-related access is via the thematic focus of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Public relations involves creating, maintaining, and consolidating the connections between authorities, organizations, and companies and the public sphere. It is often conceived of as moving from the “inside” to the “outside,” so it can be worthwhile to find a way to get “inside,” either as an employee or, more formally, as a trainee. In all areas, knowledge and borrowing from linguistics and communications sciences are helpful, and can also be acquired after graduation through continuing education and training (“online editing”).
Possible Tasks
The career paths in political communications can be divided into inbound communications (research) and outbound communications (press and public relations):
-You research information from news agency reports and press conferences, databases, or archives; evaluate this data; and use it to create written or spoken contributions for radio, TV, print, and online media.
-You represent your institution and its members to the media.
-You develop appropriate concepts and strategies to shape the public image of a company, organization, institution, etc.
-You inform the public about publications, events, and relevant news, for example, by means of announcements and summaries, brochures, and various information materials.
-You issue press releases, hold press conferences, compile press reviews, etc.
-You maintain your employer’s website, oversee blogs and forums, and create content for social media.
-You perform lobby work: you contact people from e.g. politics, trade unions and other associations, non-governmental organizations, or religious organizations, and try to get them on board with the goals or concerns of your employer.
-You may also occasionally advise senior staff and managers on how to deal with the media.Industries and Occupations
-Correspondence and news agencies
-Newspaper and magazine publishers
-TV and radio stations
-Public sector administration
-Business and professional associations, trade unions
-Political parties, associations, organizations, foundations
-Public relations consulting (e.g. PR agencies)
-Higher educationJob Boards and Professional Associations
-Stellenangebote WiLa-Arbeitmarkt
-Newsroom Nachrichten für Journalisten - Jobs
-Radioszene das Insidermagazin für Radiomacher - Jobs
-Deutscher Fachjournalisten Verband
-Deutscher Journalisten Verband
-Freischreiber Berufsverband freier Journalistinnen und Journalisten
-Börsenblatt - Stellenangebote
-Jobbörse Gesellschaft Public Relations Agenturen
-Horizont Jobs - Karriereportal für Marketing, Werbung und Medien
-Stellenmarkt Kress der Mediendienst
-Jobbörse PR Journal
-W&V - Stellenmarkt für die Werbe- und Kommunikationsbranche
