How to Become a Public Affairs Professional
Category: Career Spotlights, Jobs
Discover how Emily's passion for sustainability led her from the Peace Corps to a career in public affairs at an environmental startup. Learn about the skills needed for a career in public affairs and in the recycle and sustainability space.
Career insights from a public affairs specialist
Emily, a public affairs specialist at a small environmental startup, found her way into the field after a pivotal experience with the Peace Corps in West Africa. Living in a village without health or sanitation infrastructure opened her eyes to the global challenges of waste management. That led her to pursue a master's in public administration and intern at a public utility agency where her "career for talking trash" officially began.
Today, she works in recycling and solid waste, helping her company stay aligned with environmental legislation and build productive relationships with stakeholders. Her day-to-day responsibilities include researching contacts, attending events, drafting emails, and reading up on new policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
For anyone considering this field, Emily recommends networking through local and state recycling associations, volunteering with sustainability organizations, and reaching out to recycling coordinators at your university or in your city. The job requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and a willingness to speak up. As she puts it, "You also, I would say, can't be conflict-averse or afraid to state your opinion."
Common FAQs About Becoming a Public Affairs Specialist
What does a public affairs specialist do?
A public affairs specialist builds relationships and manages communication strategies that support an organization's public image and goals. In Emily's role at an environmental startup, this includes stakeholder outreach, monitoring environmental legislation, attending industry events, and developing strategies to promote recycling programs.
How did you get into public affairs?
Emily started her career path in the Peace Corps, where she noticed the lack of waste management infrastructure. She later earned a master’s in public administration and interned at a utility agency. This combination of experience and education launched her career in public affairs for the recycling industry.
What degree is best for a public affairs specialist?
Degrees in public administration, environmental studies, communications, or political science are all useful. Emily pursued a master’s in public administration, which aligned well with her goals in environmental policy and stakeholder engagement.
What skills are important for working in public affairs?
Strong communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential. Strategic thinking and the ability to analyze different viewpoints are also important. Emily notes, "You need to be a good communicator, publicly, personally—in person, or just through writing. You need to be a strategic thinker."
What industries need public affairs professionals?
Public affairs professionals are needed across various industries, including government, healthcare, education, environmental nonprofits, and tech startups. The environmental sector, particularly recycling and sustainability, has seen a growing demand due to new legislation and increased public awareness.
What is EPR and why is it important?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. It's legislation that shifts the responsibility of waste management to the producers of products, especially packaging and electronics. Emily spends much of her time reviewing EPR legislation to ensure her company is in compliance and contributing to sustainable practices.
How do I get started in public affairs?
Start by networking. Join local recycling or sustainability associations, volunteer with environmental programs, and connect with city or university recycling coordinators. Emily suggests reaching out and asking for coffee chats to learn more about their work and career path.
What types of companies hire public affairs specialists in sustainability?
Companies focused on recycling, clean energy, environmental tech, public utilities, and sustainability consulting often hire public affairs professionals. Government agencies and nonprofits also offer related roles.
Do I need prior experience to work in public affairs?
Experience helps, but passion and a willingness to learn go a long way. Internships, volunteer work, or even participating in community sustainability programs can build your credibility and network.
Is this a good career for people who care about the environment?
Absolutely. If you love environmental and sustainability policies and enjoy working with people to drive meaningful change, this career path is a great fit. As Emily says, "You need to love the environment and love environmental and sustainability policies."
