About Us
FAQs
What is public relations?
Public relations is the management function concerned with effective communication. It includes research to understand issues and public attitudes which have an impact on an organisation; planning and implementing communication activities to effect change; and evaluating outcomes.
What is the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)?
It is the professional association for people working in public relations and corporate communications in Australia. There is a branch in each state and a national executive.
Who can join the PRIA?
Students studying tertiary communication related courses, people working in PR, people with an approved qualification and those with previous experience in PR can join the PRIA.
Why join the PRIA?
Employers know PRIA members have been through a process of accreditation and are bound by a code of ethics. At the higher levels you can include the letters APRIA or MPRIA after your name. Being a member is also a great way to make contacts, broaden your networks and participate in professional development and social activities. An annual awards program for members recognises best practice in public relations at both the state and national level. There is also a special category for young practitioners.
What are the categories of membership?
- The professional grade of Member (MPRIA) is restricted to those who satisfy PRIA accreditation requirements with respect to public relations knowledge, skills and full time practical experience.
- Associate (APRIA) membership is open to anyone working in public relations/communication or an industry related role who satisfies the Board as to their suitability for membership of the PRIA and agrees to abide by the code of ethics.
- Members who have provided outstanding service to the public relations profession are invited to the grade of Fellow (FPRIA).
- Student membership is open to full and part time undergraduate students studying communication related courses at tertiary level; and full time postgraduate students studying communication related courses, at the discretion of the PRIA.
How much is membership?
Membership fees are $275 a year for professional members and $55 a year for Students (inc GST). You can join and pay online or request an invoice be sent to you. New membership fees are charged pro rata from the time you apply and are calculated automatically when you apply. All fees are tax deductible.
How can I regrade my membership?
Admission to the PRIA is generally at the non professional grades of Student. Students are allowed up to one year after graduation at the Student grade while securing full time public relations employment. Students do not have to pay the joining fee as long as there is no break in their membership from Student to non student levels.
Associates should apply for regrading to the professional grades after having gained three years experience (with an accredited degree) or five years experience (without an accredited degree).
What is it like to work in PR?
Professional public relations involves a range of activities to communicate with key audiences. It includes working on high level strategic communications planning and management, managing crises and developing corporate identities. It also involves writing media statements; organising events; editing and producing publications, videos and websites; writing speeches; publicising and promoting events and products; and seeking and managing sponsorships.
PR work is often mentally and physically demanding and deadline driven. It requires high performance levels and a strong work ethic. However this can also make it very rewarding in terms of both personal and professional satisfaction.
How do I find a job in public relations?
Most jobs are advertised publicly in newspapers and on websites. Many are also filled by personal contact/recommendation. It is useful to contact organisations and speak with their public relations management about your qualifications, experience and enthusiasm.
Work experience provides a good opportunity to start out in the workforce. The PRIA is not directly able to help you find a job however we sometimes publicise available jobs in our newsletters or in the Career section of this website - see the State lists.
How do I get work experience?
Use your networks to contact people in the PR industry. Offer to come in for work experience. This can sometimes lead to short contracts or project work.
How much do people in public relations earn?
New graduates usually start out at about $25,000 a year. Experienced professionals can earn $100,000 a year or more depending on the level at which they work in government, private industry or consulting and the nature of their work.
How do I find out more about the PRIA and the Public Relations industry?
The PRIA website has further details on conferences, what’s on in each state, latest research, code of ethics and more...return to the home page and discover the links. If you are unable to find what you want on this website contact:
PRIA National Office
Suite 33,
94 Oxford Street,
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Ph: (02) 9331 3346
Fax: (02) 9331 3559
email: national@pria.com.au
Last Updated: May 30, 2008