Public relations director - career development

As a public relations director, you’ll use your impressive communication skills to manage the reputation and image of your clients through publicity campaigns. Learn more about a career in public relations, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Find out how you'll build skills and experience below.

icon

How will your public relations director career progress?

There isn’t a particularly structured career path when working in public relations, so it is up to you to spot potential opportunities. You could begin your career as an assistant or junior account executive and then seek a promotion to a public relations officer.

As you build up your experience and portfolio, you could apply for more senior roles, maybe with larger agencies where you’ll work with higher profile clients. Eventually, you could become a director and be responsible for campaigns and teams.

Setting up your own agency is also an option once you have plenty of experience and industry contacts.

What opportunities are there for career development?

There is an increasing emphasis on gaining professional qualifications in public relations if you want to develop your career further. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations offer a range of certificates and diplomas that will help you progress to a more senior level.

You could also join a professional organisation like the Chartered Institute of Marketing, offering you professional training and networking opportunities.

Find your perfect career

Use our Career Matcher to see which industries and roles align best with your interests.