Communication Jobs and MBA Programs in Alabama

For a public relations manager, Alabama is a land of educational and employment opportunities. There are currently 450 jobs for public relations managers in Alabama and that number is growing. A 23 percent bump in the number of jobs is projected to put the figure at 1,560 by 2016. This exceeds the national growth trend for public relations managers. National projections show a rise of just 12 percent over the next 10 years. Public relations managers plan and direct public relations programs that are designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for employers or clients.

Alabama photo by Melinda Shelton

The income for public relations managers is $38 per hour or $79,000 per year on average in Alabama. Nationally, their income is $49 hourly or $101,000 per year on average.

Alabama, nicknamed the Heart of Dixie, has seen its population grow 5.9 percent to 4,708,708 over the last decade. Montgomery is the state capital. In 2008, the total number of jobs was 2,640,717 and the average annual income in Alabama was $33,655, which is up from $32,803 the previous year. Unemployment increased to 10.1 percent in 2009, a jump of 4.9 percentage points from the previous year. The number of residents with a college degree is 19.0 percent, which is under the national average.

Manufacturing magnetic media, asphalt shingle materials manufacturing, perishable prepared food manufacturing and ornamental metal work manufacturing are the top employing fields in Alabama.

One of the many things Alabama is known for, Alabama is the only state with all major natural resources needed to make iron and steel. It is also the largest supplier of cast-iron and steel pipe products.

Communication

Public relations managers plan and direct public relations programs that are designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for employers or clients.

While working, they oversee efforts the firm supports to get public attention through the media without advertising directly. Also, they evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.

They are required to write well and note the reactions and responses of others in both work and social situations.

Public relations managers must be able to articulate ideas and problems. They should also have the ability to listen to and understand others in meetings.

In order to be successful in the workplace, public relations managers must be thorough and dependable and be able to take change and lead.