Since walking into my interview at C8 Consulting in 2020, I can’t believe that five years later I’ve had the opportunity to work at an international trade show and lead teams on some amazing campaigns across the world. But here I am! Reflecting on some of the key highlights of my career and in honour of my fifth anniversary of working in public relations, I’ve outlined some of the most important things I’ve learned about the industry for anyone thinking of exploring a career in PR.
Your learning journey has only just begun
The lessons you learn on the job are priceless. It may sound like a cliché, but experience truly cannot be taught, and the best way to get to know the industry from the inside out is by being immersed in it. Sure, learning how to write a news release in class may come in handy, but writing for actual clients is different. In the real world, apply classroom-taught soft skills as a foundation and learn from coworkers to refine your content. Every storyteller in public relations can always refine their craft. And just like in the classroom, never be afraid to ask questions!
After a few months of settling into my role, C8 joined the PRCA, which allowed me to engage in online learning through my CPD cycle, and attend external training courses, which I applied to my role. As a result, I thrived in creativity, writing, and strategy as well as becoming CPD accredited. My proactive efforts contributed to my promotion from junior account executive to PR manager within three and a half years of being with my agency.
The PR world doesn’t stand still, and neither can you. Staying informed about industry trends, media shifts, and emerging technologies is crucial. Over the years, I’ve invested in professional development through courses, conferences, and networking events, and this has helped me stay competitive.
Organisation is Key
I’m thankful for inheriting my family’s need for organisation because it’s a necessary skill in PR, particularly in the agency world. Finding a method that works best for you to be efficient, such as the Pomodoro method, using a notebook, Microsoft One Note, Notion etc. is important to not miss deadlines and keep up with the vast number of activities going on. My biggest mindset change came when I was promoted from Senior Executive to Account Manager as I became responsible for also managing the wider account team.
Armour-Plated
PR is a fast-paced industry and between pitching media and brainstorming with your colleagues and clients, you won’t always be on the right track, but that’s okay! That’s how you learn. It’s also okay to be nervous, as it means you care about doing a job well done and, with practice, it gets easier.
Mistakes happen. You may have sent something unrelated to a journalist that doesn’t cover the topic, or had a typo in an article. Spend time researching and always have someone else proof your work before letting it fly. Mistakes are a learning experience and are inevitable in a new job. So, instead of letting them fill you with shame and regret, leverage the learning experience to make yourself stronger. Understand what went wrong and how to improve.
We often see this when encountering rejection from reporters which isn’t a direct reflection of your skills, but rather that journalists have tight timelines, specific requests, tons of pressure from advertisers and a thousand experts being launched at them. In B2B (business to business) you must love getting into the nitty gritty. Really understanding your topic, understanding the press, and caring about the issues for your clients.
Strong Mindset
Self-motivation is critical for growth and success in the PR industry. This means being proactive, asking questions, and being willing to jump in to do any task at any time. But also knowing when to “shut off” is important too – PR is one of those careers where the work is never done, but that doesn’t mean you should be working around the clock. Keep your mental health and wellness in mind always!
One Last Tip
For those starting out: Get your foot in the door, embrace the learning curve, build relationships (learn and practice the art of networking), and stay curious. Absorb as much content and insights related to tech/PR/current affairs as you can from social channels, podcasts, reports, news and events. Internships are invaluable. Use them to learn, make mistakes, and gain experience before landing a job.
If you are curious about PR or unsure about how it works, don’t be afraid to message people in the industry like me on Linkedin to ask some questions! You can read my beginnings at C8 here: Introducing Ameesha Patel – C8’s Latest PR Executive.
If you’re interested in a career that handles a broad range of communications for brands and organisations to achieve specific goals, a role in public relations may be for you. Good luck!
Looking Ahead
I love agency life! Being able to work with a broad range of organisations that do different things is very challenging, but rewarding, and there are endless things to talk about. I always knew I wanted to do something creative after receiving my degree in Communications from a London university, and PR is always interesting. An exciting opportunity with C8 came up in 2020, two months before we went into lockdown, but I was officially offered the job a week after my birthday, so I knew it was meant to be. Celebrating five years in public relations, I’m excited for the future as the industry evolves with new challenges and opportunities. My goal is to keep growing, adapting, and telling meaningful stories. Here’s to the next five years!
Learn More About Us
C8 is a dynamic team of professionals with a passion for disruptive-tech and PR. Driven to tell compelling stories and achieve the biggest impact, C8 can help you connect with audiences that matter and kick-start conversations that will make a difference to your bottom line. Get to know us by reading our individual blogs.Looking to review your strategic PR focus? Do get in touch.