by Hollie Siddique on 8th Apr 2020 Working from home has recently become the national norm and, luckily fo...
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- Manage an organisation's public image and reputation
- You'll need excellent writing skills & confident communication and presentation skills
- You could be promoted to PR manager or head of communications
As a Public Relations officer, you'll work in a company's in-house PR department, or at an agency that looks after PR for a number of clients.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Planning PR campaigns and strategies based on research
- Monitoring and reacting to the public and media's opinion of your client or employer
- Writing and editing press releases, speeches, newsletters, leaflets, brochures, and websites
- Creating content on social media and responding quickly to user comments
- Arranging and attending events like press launches, news conferences, exhibitions and open days
- Developing good working relationships with the media to promote your clients
- Arranging photoshoots and production of promotional videos
- Public speaking at presentations, conferences, or radio and TV interviews
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You may also be involved with your local community to make sure that the company you work for is represented positively. This could include sponsoring, corporate events or fundraising for local charities.
You'll normally work in an office but may also travel to attend events and conferences, and to meet clients.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need knowledge of media production and communication, knowledge of English language, thoroughness and attention to detail, persistence and determination, the ability to work well with others, to accept criticism and work well under pressure, good initiative, and the ability to sell products and services.
You could study for a degree or postgraduate award recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, such as in public relations, media communications, or business and public relations.
It might be useful to do a relevant subject like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing, or you can also study higher level qualifications if you're working in a marketing or communications department.
You could get into this job through a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.
Paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations would be useful, which you can gain by contacting PR departments and consultancies for work experience, volunteering to promote local charities, writing for student magazines, newspapers, blogs, or social media, or working on student or volunteer radio services.
Alternatively, you can do professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, which can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include a Foundation Certificate for beginners, or a Professional PR Certificate, if you're a graduate or have 2 years' experience in PR.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With in-house PR officer experience, you could be promoted to PR manager, social media manager, or head of communications. With agency experience, you could progress to senior account executive or account manager. You could also go freelance, or move into advertising, marketing or journalism.
