How to become a professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
Official title: Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
Also called: Marketing consultant, Marketing specialist, Marketing coordinator, Advertising consultant, Advertising specialist, Public affairs officer, Public relations agent, Media relations officer, Public relations officer, Marketing project manager, Event marketing specialist, Advertising account manager
Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations analyse, develop and implement communication and promotion strategies and information programs; analyse advertising needs and develop appropriate advertising and marketing plans; publicize activities and events, and maintain media relations on behalf of businesses, governments and other organizations, and for performers, athletes, writers and other talented individuals. They are employed by marketing and consulting firms, advertising agencies, corporations, associations, government, social agencies, museums, galleries, public interest groups, and cultural and other organizations, or they may be self-employed. Agents such as entertainment, literary and sports agents are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Assess characteristics of products or services to be promoted to determine marketing and advertising needs of an establishment
- Advise clients on marketing, advertising or sales promotion opportunities and strategies
- Develop strategies and related content for direct and digital marketing and advertising campaigns and implement them
- Manage post campaign analysis to measure and report on marketing and advertising metrics
- Develop and maintain social media accounts, including managing customer reviews and testimonials
- Develop, implement and evaluate public relations strategies and programs designed to inform clients, employees and the general public of initiatives and policies of businesses, governments and other organizations
- Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the interests and concerns of key groups served by their organization
- Prepare or oversee preparation of reports, briefs, bibliographies, speeches, presentations, Web sites and press releases
How to become one
A university degree or college diploma in business marketing, public relations, communications, journalism, museology or a discipline related to a particular subject matter is usually required. Practitioners in public relations may require an APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 14 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $69,381 a year The middle half earn $52,007 to $89,057.
- About 233,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 275,100 are projected by 2033. (+17.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations?
A university degree or college diploma in business marketing, public relations, communications, journalism, museology or a discipline related to a particular subject matter is usually required. Practitioners in public relations may require an APR (Accredited in Public Relations) designation.
How much does a professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $69,381 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $52,007 to $89,057.
Is a professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2033, from about 233,600 to about 275,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations?
Usually. 67% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03