PR courses will help you to find exciting opportunities in the public relations field. Those interested in a fast-paced career that helps businesses and public figures shine will thrive in public relations. There are many career options in this industry, from publicist to copywriter, social media manager and more.

So, whatever ever role you’ll play in this sector, one thing’s for sure – you’ll need to develop savvy public relations skills! From storytelling and sharp writing ability to managing a crisis and protecting corporate reputations, this profession is sure to get your heart and your mind racing. 

Our Certificate of Public Relations is an online PR course ideal for those wanting to gain foundation skills to pursue a career in public relations. It’s also an ideal refresher for entry-level PR practitioners who want to sharpen their skillset. 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a PR course include: 

• Modern public relations research methods
• Creating a public relations plan
• Looking beyond traditional media
• Building relationships with your influencers
• Handling a public relations crisis
• Measuring the success of your campaign
• Developing your message
• Writing a press release
• Distributing a press release
• Creating a social media release
• Building social media into your campaign
• Crisis management
• Crisis management principles
• Planning crisis communications
• Assembling a crisis communications team
• Issuing an immediate response
• Resolving and closing a crisis
• The elements of effective storytelling
• Understanding your audience
• Planning your story
• Outlining tour story
• Writing and presenting your story
• Using storytelling frameworks
• Telling business stories 
• Trends of the digital revolution
• Intensifying customer connection
• Reaching out and promoting through online public relations
• Generating blog traffic
• Benefiting from social communities and forums
• Handling media crises
• Content marketing and online public relations

 

7 Popular Public Relations Jobs 

The world of public relations offers many great opportunities for those who develop exceptional communication skills through PR courses. And there are just as many public relations jobs on offer, including the following: 

#1 – Publicist

A publicist, also known as a PR specialist, is a type of public relations professional who generates and manages publicity for a company, brand or public figure. They are also instrumental in generating public interest in works such as books, movies and music.

#2 – Spokesperson

A spokesperson is someone who is the ‘voice’ of a company. They are a public relations professional adept at balancing communication and marketing efforts and are often responsible for press conferences. This role is vital to put a human face to companies, brands and products. 

#3 – Social Media Manager 

In PR, social media managers are in charge of representing a company, brand or public figure across social media channels. The role involves responding to comments, creating marketing campaigns and developing relevant content. These PR professionals ensure their client has an enviable online presence. 

#4 – Copywriter 

Copywriters are responsible for writing content for advertising and marketing campaigns. Their role in public relations involves writing meaningful messages or engaging content that help companies tell their brand stories and connect with influencers and customers. 

#5 – PR Manager 

These PR pros are responsible for planning, directing and managing the creation of material and campaigns that enhance the public image of their client or employer. They are instrumental in the smooth running of a successful range of marketing and public relations tasks. 

#6 – PR Coordinator

PR coordinators are the organisers of the PR world! They help to create and maintain a positive public image through performing administrative tasks, managing production with vendors, assisting in event planning and generally supporting the media relations efforts. 

#7 – Media and Communications Manager

This PR role is pivotal to managing all areas of the media and public relations efforts to ensure message are consistent and engaging. Typical tasks of a media and communications manager include identifying press opportunities, developing content and creating and scheduling social media messages. 

 

Top 5 Skills of Public Relations Professionals

 The necessary skill set of a public relations professional includes communication skills, attention to detail, honesty, relationship building and social media savvy – in no particular order! 

#1 – Communication Skills 

Writing ability is a critical skill in public relations to create attention-grabbing press releases that will captivate the media. You’ll also need excellent oral presentation and communication skills to passionately explain your creative ideas to clients, media buyers and journalists.  

#2 – Attention to Detail  

Accuracy in your work, both in the research and content – including grammar and spelling, is a must in public relations writing. You’ll be telling your clients’ stories and will need to prioritise accuracy and attention-to-detail in your message and content. It needs to be flawless, or a campaign can fall over! 

#3 – Honesty 

Just as there are ethics in journalism, it’s crucial to avoid spin and stick to the truth in public relations. As a PR professional, your word is your badge of honour. As such, being honest is vital to gaining and maintaining the trust of your clients and the media. 

#4 – Relationship-Building Skills 

Building mutually beneficial relationships with clients and the media is an important skill in public relations. You’ll need to exude confidence and charisma in spades to build trust in this role.

#5 – Social Media Savvy 

Social media skills are evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve is critical to success. You’ll need to be continually up to date on the latest trends in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and other popular platforms to remain competitive. Whether it’s networking with editors and media buyers on LinkedIn or developing powerful campaigns for your clients over various platforms, social media savvy is a must!

 

Help public figures and companies gain powerful positive publicity in today’s challenging and ever-changing media environment with our Certificate of Public Relations course!