Public relations officer

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become a PR manager, social media manager or head of communications
• work freelance as a consultant
• move into advertising, marketing or journalism

If you work for an agency, you could become a senior account executive or account manager with responsibility for a number of clients.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Public relations officers write press releases, speeches, social media posts, and policy statements on a daily basis. They need to craft clear, persuasive language that shapes how the public perceives their clients, so strong writing and editing skills are essential.
• Media Studies - Public relations officers manage how organisations are portrayed across news outlets, broadcasters, and digital platforms. Media Studies helps them understand how stories are selected, framed, and distributed – so they can pitch to journalists and craft campaigns that reach the right people through the right channels.
• Business - Public relations officers often work with corporate clients and need to understand how organisations operate, including their brand strategy, stakeholders, and market position. Managing client accounts, budgets, and campaign objectives all draw on core business knowledge.

Also relevant

• English Literature - Public relations officers craft narratives that shape how people think and feel about a brand or individual. Studying literature develops the ability to analyse tone, audience, and persuasive storytelling techniques – all of which are valuable when writing compelling PR content.
• Psychology - Public relations officers need to understand what influences public opinion and how people respond to different messages. Knowledge of persuasion, group behaviour, and how attitudes are formed helps them design campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
• Sociology - Public relations officers monitor public opinion and need to understand how different social groups think and communicate. Sociology's focus on media influence, culture, and how information spreads through society is directly useful when planning campaigns for diverse audiences.
• Politics - Public relations officers working in government, charities, or corporate affairs often deal with political issues, policy announcements, and public debate. Understanding how political institutions and public discourse work helps them manage sensitive communications effectively.
• Economics - Public relations officers working with businesses or financial clients need to understand economic trends and market conditions. Being able to interpret economic data and communicate it clearly helps when writing press releases or briefing journalists on business stories.