There is no single educational requirement to becoming a Publicist. However, a four-year degree is standard in the industry. Most Publicists have university degrees in either marketing, communications, journalism, or advertising.  
 
Most Publicists agree that there is more to success than their chosen major. Most Publicists start out interning at a PR agency representing the kind of clients they want to work for and then work their way up the ladder. For example, if you're interested in working in fashion PR, you should find an agency specializing in this niche.   
 
Publicists need to rely on a solid network of media contacts. Indeed, their contact list is what makes them so valuable to clients. Some colleges have PR-related groups or alumni mentoring opportunities. There are also local and national professional associations. You should join as many of these organizations as possible and work hard to get your name out there. 

What can help you become a Publicist

• Empathy: What would you, as a consumer, respond to? This is a great question the best PR professionals ask themselves daily. Find a way to connect with your intended audience and work backward from there on building effective campaigns.  

• Develop human connections. Editors read pitches from Publicists all day long. If you take the time to go out to lunch with them and get to know them on a human level, they will be much more likely to read your pitches and trust you.  

• Stay creative. New media formats and new channels are emerging all the time. Keep your finger on the pulse and find creative ways to engage your audience in various ways.  

• Listen. Publicists work in the broader field of communications which involves talking and writing, but also listening. Listen to mentors, colleagues, and clients and take their advice and feedback.