Public relations professional

Public relations professional - overview

As a public relations professional, you’ll manage the image and reputation of an organisation or person, giving a positive representation to consumers, businesses and the public. Learn more about a career in public relations and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does a public relations professional do?

As a public relations (PR) professional, you could work in a PR agency or in-house in an organisation’s PR department. In a PR agency you’ll work on behalf of multiple clients, while in-house you’ll only work for one company. PR professionals are employed by any kind of organisation that has an image it wants to showcase.

You’ll use all forms of media and communication to build the reputation of your employer or clients. This will mainly be done by getting across key messages to targeted groups of people and organisations. It’s a fast-paced and exciting industry to be part of and you’re likely to meet lots of like-minded people. It can also be a well-paid role once you’ve got a good amount of experience.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

Planning, developing and implementing PR strategies
Building relationships with clients and the media
Monitoring social media and print media
Writing press releases
Organising events, like press conferences and exhibitions
Reporting back to clients

FAQs

How much can you earn as a public relations professional?

The average salary for a public relations professional in the UK is £31,720. Graduates start at around £20,500.

Does a public relations professional role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

You’ll mostly be based in an office but you'll also likely travel for networking events and to meet clients. You may need to travel overseas depending on the clients you represent.