Career Focus How to Succeed in the World of PR - CareerAlley

Career Focus How to Succeed in the World of PR - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. When choosing a career many candidates dont just do it for the money, in fact more and more individuals are looking for the lifestyle that comes as part of the package. The world of public relations and marketing is often seen as a glamorous career choice and the right placement could just see you liaising with the best in the business as well as top brands, celebs and more. However, its not all glitz and glam, a career in PR requires a lot of hard work and very long hours, and many candidates struggle to make the grade in their quest for success. We have compiled our top tips for succeeding in this challenging and varied career Communication skills and confidence are key A successful career in PR requires use of excellent communication skills as most of your working day will be spent liaising with clients and other media representatives to get the trends and issues on your agenda out there to the masses. As well as developing a keen eye for current affairs, all PR practitioners must exercise great verbal and communication skills confidently to ensure their clients are represented effectively across all media channels. Working under pressure is part of the package The fast paced world of PR is not for the faint hearted and the ability to work under pressure is vital. Each day every PR professional will be faced with tight deadlines, so adopting a flexible outlook and honing your multitasking skills should be one of your main priorities from the outset. PR isnt for individuals looking for a regular 9 til 5 position, in fact the imposing deadlines will often mean youre not home until late and needed in the office first thing the very next morning. Despite the long hours, PR can provide a satisfying career for those looking to work hard and reap the rewards. Experience counts As with any career within the media, showcasing a long list of placements is certainly recommended and can really set you apart from your fellow candidates. As well as making an interesting addition to your Curriculum Vitae, using your days off, weekends and holidays to volunteer at PR agencies and other media outlets will ensure you develop the skills you need to succeed. A good grounding in journalism, advertising, marketing, business or communications is also highly sought-after, and those with a degree or additional training within these areas as well as related experience will see themselves shortlisted for the best roles. Creativity the lifeblood of public relations Demonstrating your creativity and initiative is an essential part of a PR practitioners role, however, having the resilience to bounce back if your ideas are turned down is also important. Whether you are just starting your PR related degree or are looking to take the first steps after graduation, remaining creative and tuned into the wider industry will ensure you are one step ahead of the pack. Author Bio: Brittany Thorley works for Think Big Comms, a PR and marketing agency based in Cambridgeshire. She shares her expertise across the web, helping businesses and fellow PR professionals in their quest for marketing success. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search.Joey Trebif