Public Relations Officer

As a Public Relations (PR) Officer, you will use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of your company. This could range from public bodies or services, to businesses and voluntary organisations.

You will communicate key messages, often using endorsements, to defined target audiences in order to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between an organisation and its public. This may be between organisations (business-to-business, or B2B) or individuals, and the general public.

Public Relations Officer is also known as Public Relations Assistant, Public Relations Account Executive.

Role Characteristics

Work as part of an account team (in smaller organisations you may be the sole PR lead or work as an agency PR officer) where you'll plan, develop and implement PR strategies
Build strong relationships and networks with colleagues, other businesses and the media and answer enquiries from the media and other organisations
Monitor the media, including newspapers, magazines, journals, broadcasts, newswires, social media sites and blogs, for opportunities and insight into public opinion
Prepare and supervise the production of publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films and multimedia programmes
Manage and update information and engage with users on social media sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn
Manage the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation.

Skills

Active listening
Attention to detail
Communication
Creative thinking
Public speaking
Written communication

Day in the life

Find out about what Public Relations is.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Undergraduate degree

How to become

There are many routes into Public Relations Officer; these include university or apprenticeships.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent.

You will normally need either A-Levels or BTEC depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience you could become a PR Manager, Social Media Manager or Head of Communications. You could work as a freelance Public Relations Specialist, offering advice on a an individual basis. You could move into advertising, market or journalism or teach others.