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Public relations officer

Alternative titles for this job include PR officer, PR executive, communications officer, press officer

Public relations (PR) officers manage the public image and reputation of organisations and individuals.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a public relations officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You can get into public relations (PR) with a degree in most subjects.

You could also do a degree or postgraduate course related to public relations. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has a list of recognised university courses.

Courses include:

  • public relations
  • public relations and media
  • marketing and PR
  • PR and corporate communications

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which might give you an advantage when looking for a trainee public relations role.

Courses include:

  • English
  • marketing
  • creative and digital media - social media option

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could work towards this role by doing a Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of one year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations. You could:

  • contact PR departments and consultancies for work experience
  • volunteer to promote local charities
  • write for student magazines, blogs and social media
  • work on student or volunteer radio services

Other Routes

You could study for professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

These can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include:

  • Foundation Certificate for beginners
  • Professional PR Certificate, if you're a graduate or have at least 2 years of PR experience

Further information

You can find out more about a career in public relations from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a public relations officer, you could:

  • plan and deliver PR campaigns for clients
  • monitor data to understand the public and media's opinion of your clients
  • attend events like photoshoots, conferences and press launches
  • develop good connections with the media to promote your clients
  • write and edit press releases, social media posts, policy statements and speeches

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a PR manager, social media manager or head of communications
  • work freelance as a consultant
  • move into advertising, marketing or journalism

If you work for an agency, you could become a senior account executive or account manager with responsibility for a number of clients.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Public Relations & Communications Apprentice

  • Wage: £24,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Marketing

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: Havant

BTEC Marketing

  • Provider: KINVER HIGH SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: Stourbridge
Find courses near you

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