Careers in Public Relations & Advertising After 12th: A Creative Path to Influence and Impact

In today’s media-driven world, every brand—from global corporations to local startups—relies on powerful storytelling and effective communication to build trust and connect with audiences. That’s where Public Relations (PR) and Advertising professionals step in.

If your child is creative, enjoys communication, and has a knack for persuasion, a career in PR and advertising could be an excellent choice after completing 12th grade. This blog explores what these fields involve, how to get started after school, top courses, career options, skills needed, and how parents can support this journey

What Is Public Relations (PR)?

Public Relations involves managing a brand’s image and maintaining positive relationships with the public, media, and stakeholders. PR professionals write press releases, handle media coverage, plan events, and manage crisis communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building and maintaining brand reputation
  
• Writing media content and press releases
  
• Coordinating with journalists and influencers
  
• Crisis communication and damage control
  
• Organizing press events or public campaigns
  

What Is Advertising?

Advertising is all about promoting products, services, or ideas through creative campaigns. It involves strategy, market research, and content creation across platforms like television, social media, print, and digital ads.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing marketing campaigns
  
• Creating catchy slogans, taglines, and visuals
  
• Working on print, TV, digital, and social ads
  
• Collaborating with graphic designers and copywriters
  
• Analyzing audience engagement and campaign performance
  

Benefits of Choosing PR & Advertising Careers After 12th

Pursuing a career in PR or advertising right after 12th offers many long-term advantages:

• Creative expression through writing, visuals, and storytelling
  
• Exciting and dynamic work environments
  
• Opportunities in both corporate and media sectors
  
• Great potential for networking and growth
  
• Competitive salaries and high earning potential
  

Courses to Pursue After 12th for PR and Advertising

After completing 12th (any stream, though Arts and Commerce students are typically more aligned), students can enroll in relevant undergraduate programs that serve as a foundation for these careers.

Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)
   
2. BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
   
3. BA in Advertising and Public Relations
   
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Marketing
   
5. BA in Media Studies or Communication
   

Many of these courses offer internships and project work, helping students gain real-world experience early on.

Skill Set Required for PR & Advertising Careers

Success in these fields depends heavily on communication, creativity, and adaptability. Here are the essential skills:

Soft Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication
  
• Persuasion and negotiation
  
• Emotional intelligence
  
• Creativity and imagination
  
• Networking and interpersonal abilities
  

Technical Skills:

• Content writing and copywriting
  
• Digital marketing basics
  
• Social media management
  
• Public speaking and presentation
  
• Familiarity with tools like Canva, Adobe Suite, or PR databases
  

Career Paths in Public Relations

Here are some roles your child can explore within PR:

1. PR Executive or Associate
   
2. Media Relations Officer
   
3. Corporate Communications Specialist
   
4. Crisis Management Consultant
   
5. Event Coordinator
   
6. Publicist (especially in entertainment, fashion, or politics)
   

Career Paths in Advertising

The advertising world offers a broad range of roles in creative, strategic, and technical departments:

1. Copywriter
   
2. Creative Director
   
3. Brand Strategist
   
4. Digital Marketing Executive
   
5. Media Planner
   
6. Client Servicing Executive
   
7. Art Director or Graphic Designer (with specialization)
   

Top Recruiters and Industries

PR and advertising professionals are needed in a wide variety of sectors:

• Media and Publishing Houses
  
• Advertising Agencies (e.g., Ogilvy, Leo Burnett)
  
• Public Relations Firms (e.g., Edelman, Adfactors PR)
  
• Corporate Communication Departments
  
• Event Management Companies
  
• NGOs and Government Communication Cells
  
• Digital Marketing Agencies
  
• Entertainment Industry
  

Average Salaries in PR and Advertising (India)

Salary packages depend on experience, location, and specialization. Here’s a rough estimate:

With experience, salaries can rise significantly, and many professionals freelance or start their own agencies.

How to Get Started After 12th

Here’s guide to help students get on the right track:

1. Choose a relevant undergraduate course
   
   • Opt for media, communication, or advertising-related degrees
     
2. Work on communication and writing skills
   
   • Join clubs, write blogs, or participate in debates
     
3. Build a portfolio
   
   • Include writing samples, campaign ideas, or media projects
     
4. Take online courses
   
   • Explore certifications in digital marketing, PR writing, or branding
     
5. Intern early
   
   • Look for internships in PR firms, media houses, or ad agencies
     
6. Network consistently
   
   • Attend seminars, workshops, and career expos
     

Tips for Parents: How to Support Your Child’s PR or Advertising Career

• Encourage your child to explore writing, creative design, or public speaking in school
  
• Support their decision to pursue arts or media-related courses
  
• Help them find internship or volunteering opportunities
  
• Talk about career expectations, income, and work-life balance
  
• Celebrate small achievements to boost their confidence
  

Conclusion

Public Relations and Advertising are not just glamorous buzzwords—they are powerful industries shaping the way we see the world. For students after 12th, these careers offer a blend of creativity, influence, and purpose. With the right education, skills, and mindset, young individuals can thrive in these fast-paced fields and enjoy a dynamic, fulfilling professional life.

Encourage your child to explore this exciting world. Whether they’re crafting compelling messages, building brand stories, or creating viral campaigns—PR and advertising offer endless possibilities after 12th.