Career in Public Relations ?

thanks guys

I have worked closely with PR consultants in large national and international companies in a variety of industries. It is a challenging job which requires long hours of work and the ability to manage a number of projects at the same time. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must plus a degree of creativiity. You also need to manage relationships with clients, either internal or external and the media as well as the general public. Very demanding role but can provide great satisfaction. Money increases as your level of seniority increases.

The glamorous part depends on the industry you are working in. You may have to attend many functions and travel interstate or overseas. Initially it is fun and glamorous but it can become tedious over time. Depends on what you are looking for in a job/career.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dionne Taylor of Polkadot PR in Sydney at the IMATS convention, Dionne was incredibly interesting and really made me re-think what am I currently doing in my Government career! the website is great to have a look around at and you can also follow them on twitter! I think i’m a bit too old now for a career change but maybe you could look into doing some free work experience?! best of luck!! xox http://www.polkadotpr.com.au/content_common/pg-About-Us.seo

Was wondering if anyone works in or knows anyone working in public relations???
What does a normal day consist of and is it so glamourous as it is made out to be?
Also, do PR careers pay well?
Any information regarding PR will be helpful.
Thanks.

It’s certainly not glamorous Marie50! Although depending what sort of industry you’re working in, there are some perks. I used to do the PR for a large government water company and a natural disaster like the Queensland / SA floods is a PR nightmare. PR in the beauty or travel industry is slightly more exciting but it can mean long hours, clients can be difficult and demanding and the pay is not always great – especially entry level.

A typical day can consist of team WIPs (Work In Progress meetings), updating contact sheets, emailing media and telephoning contacts to chase coverage, writing press releases, meeting with clients, sending out products and keeping time sheets. You may also be involved in doing events (for example if you are holding a media launch for a new product) but even that’s not as glam as it sounds as it’s a lot of hard work and co-ordination.

Working in PR can be fun as many of the teams are fairly young and if you work on a nice brand you may get some freebie products and attend launches at some great venues but I’d say it’s 90% hard work and 10% glam. Hope this gives you a little insight – and hasn’t put you off!

Wow thanks for your reply, so insightful.
No it definitely has not put me off.

Was wondering if anyone works in or knows anyone working in public relations???
What does a normal day consist of and is it so glamourous as it is made out to be?
Also, do PR careers pay well?
Any information regarding PR will be helpful.
Thanks.

It’s certainly not glamorous Marie50! Although depending what sort of industry you’re working in, there are some perks. I used to do the PR for a large government water company and a natural disaster like the Queensland / SA floods is a PR nightmare. PR in the beauty or travel industry is slightly more exciting but it can mean long hours, clients can be difficult and demanding and the pay is not always great – especially entry level.

A typical day can consist of team WIPs (Work In Progress meetings), updating contact sheets, emailing media and telephoning contacts to chase coverage, writing press releases, meeting with clients, sending out products and keeping time sheets. You may also be involved in doing events (for example if you are holding a media launch for a new product) but even that’s not as glam as it sounds as it’s a lot of hard work and co-ordination.

Working in PR can be fun as many of the teams are fairly young and if you work on a nice brand you may get some freebie products and attend launches at some great venues but I’d say it’s 90% hard work and 10% glam. Hope this gives you a little insight – and hasn’t put you off!