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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 an organisation's public image and reputation.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£50,000 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
  • an apprenticeship
  • a college course
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

University

Public relations roles are open to graduates of most subjects, though you could study for a more specialist degree or postgraduate award recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Courses include:

  • Public Relations
  • Marketing Communications with PR
  • Public Relations 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

There is no set entry route to become a public relations officer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing.

You can also study higher level qualifications if you're working in a marketing or communications department. Courses include the Level 3 Certificate in Public Relations and Media Relations.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by doing a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.

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

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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, newspapers, blogs or social media
  • work on student or volunteer radio services

Other Routes

You can do professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

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

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

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about the world of public relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and careers in the industry from the Public Relations and Communications Association.

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

In this role you could:

  • plan PR campaigns and strategies based on research
  • monitor and react to the public and media's opinion of your client or employer
  • write and edit press releases, speeches, newsletters, leaflets, brochures and websites
  • create content on social media and respond quickly to user comments
  • arrange and attend events like press launches, news conferences, exhibitions and open days
  • develop good working relationships with the media to promote your clients
  • arrange photoshoots and production of promotional videos
  • speak on behalf of clients at presentations, conferences or radio and TV interviews

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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 go freelance or move into advertising, marketing or journalism.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Press & PR Assistant

  • Wage: £11,000.00 Annually
  • Location: NORWICH

Communications and Youth Engagement Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,432.00 Annually
  • Location: VALLEY ROAD, PORTISHEAD, BRISTOL

Courses In England

BTEC Marketing

  • Provider: WOMBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: WOLVERHAMPTON

BTEC Marketing

  • Provider: KINVER HIGH SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Stourbridge

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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