Top tips for getting into PR
Adam Lewis has tagged me in his Meme for PR hopefuls which I think is an excellent way to help prospective PRO’s understand the industry.
So, here is my advice (albeit from a years industry experience)…
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone entering the world of PR?
Adam suggested having an online presence and I certainly agree with this but I think there are two things that are much more important that are increasingly forgotten. One, learn everything about each agency that you apply to. This is overlooked far too many times, and it’s an easy thirty minute job. Just learn about what they do, how they do it and who they do it for. Two, read everything. At Wolfstar we’re massive advocates of reading outside of the sphere, so read books and blogs outside of PR. Gladwell and Goldacre are the most recent examples I can think of. If you’re well read and understand breaking theories and have an opinion on them, you’ll shine at an interview. Also, check out Chris Norton’s (a colleague of mine) post on being an intern.
The favourite part of your job?
My job involves so many different strands that it’s difficult to isolate a single one, so the fact that it’s so varied is my favourite part. I have a terrible attention span and I react best to a frenetic environment so PR is perfect for me.
Why did you decide to go into PR?
I fell into PR really. I studied English and Creative Writing at university and I’ve always wanted writing to be a part of any career I chose so when I left university I initially looked for a job as a copywriter. Then I saw a job advertised for an in-house PR officer and thought I’d pop along for the interview out of interest. I spent eight months there and then upped sticks and went travelling for three months, I arrived home in September ‘08 and went to talk with Wolfstar. They bought me in temporarily for two months and after a few days they offered me a full time role. And now it’s now!
I’d like to hear what advice Becky, Drew and Stephen would give to PR hopefuls.