Getting into any field of profession is a challenge especially
into a creative industry such as PR and as a woman you face yourself asking “how
am I going to break into this industry?” Well these tips will allow you to get
into the field with a competitive edge.
Work Experience / Internships / Placement year
Gaining first-hand experience in a PR firm will allow you to
gain the relevant skills and knowledge in working in PR. Nicola Piggot who did a creative management
degree now works for Feref after gaining working experience in PR firm for
Eastenders. Whether it is a 2 week work experience, a summer internship or a
placement year, you will not only be gaining transferable skills but you will
also be building contacts along the way. In addition, it will help build your
CV which will make you more employable due to your experiences. It is also recommended you do everything you
can do standout whilst you are doing work experience such as asking questions,
getting involved, pitch to journalists and showing initiative. Managers like
that in an employee and it would also make a lasting impression which you lead
you to a job in the near future.
Social Media / Networking
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn… All these social networking
sites will allow you to connect with different types of PR firms/companies and
their managers and build your connections. It is advised to separate your
professional profile and your personal – allowing professional organizations
and bosses to follow your professional profile and leaving your friends and
family to follow your personal one. You
can also start up a blog (like this one) in order to connect with other Blogs
by PR practitioners and academics and build your online community.
Remember it isn’t about what you know but who you know so
networking is definitely key!
Get Involved!
Writing is the most
important skill in this profession and so what better way to improve your skills
than getting involved in writing for your university’s magazine. Behind the
Spin is an online magazine for public relations students and practitioners sponsored
by the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA), which you can get involved
in.
Bear in mind that when considering a career in PR, understand that it's not all glitz and glam and it involves long hours and hard work. It can be also challenging for us women trying to break the "ditzy" "fluffy" "PR bunny" stereotype and the "glass-ceiling" barrier. However if this is the career for you then start climbing the career ladder and make your way to the top, who will eventually own your own PR firm/company.
Is this the career for you? Were these tips helpful?
By Rhona Nagawa
Is this the career for you? Were these tips helpful?
By Rhona Nagawa
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post which I found helpful in taking the necessary steps to getting a career in public relations. Would like to know if it helps even more if you have a degree in public relations as well?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello Simone,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment and i'm glad that you found the tips helpful in getting a career in PR. In regards to your question about whether having a degree in public relations would give you an even more competitive edge, I must say it is nice if you do. Regardless however, I believe that the employers would prefer their candidate to have more experience and therefore would best if you just focus on getting work experience or internships thus having the necessary skills for the profession.