Careers

Search starts for more Bright Young Things

GolinHarris has redesigned and relaunched its successful intern programme. The Bright Young Things programme (open to candidates of any age) is all about fresh thinking and best in class talent.

Breaking into PR with the PRCA

Last week three second year students from Leeds Met travelled to Manchester to attend a PRCA careers conference, writes Emilie Sillett.

LinkedIn: it’s not for students, is it?

As with all relationships, you get out of LinkedIn what you put in. If you leave it with little attention and information, you’re missing out on its full potential says Jessica North.

Lexis 2013 graduate scheme now open

Do you want to be a part of Lexis’s Next Recommendation Generation? Well, here’s your chance: the application process is now open for the September 2013 Lexis Graduate Scheme.

The glitz and the glamour

Until I started looking for internships and jobs in the event industry I didn’t realise the range of positions there were to choose from.

James Maxwell graduate scheme 2013

The James Maxwell graduate programme is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to join a top global PR consultancy and receive the best introduction to PR. The closing date is 19 April 2013.

Top 10 tips to get a job in PR

Hotwire’s group HR director Loveday Langton gives her top ten tips for graduate job seekers.

Graduate PR Account Assistant

An exciting opportunity has come up at Clareville in Fulham if you are a bright, enthusiastic organised graduate who is looking for a first step towards a career in PR.

You’re hired: Life as a PR apprentice

Whiteoaks digital PR apprentice Luke Taylor discusses some of the opportunities and challenges that he encounters in his new role.

B2B goes social

It’s not the most visible area of public relations and not does it at first appear interesting to PR students, says Sebastian Tully-Middleton. But there’s a lot of work in business to business (B2B) public relations and it’s a developing area, in part because of social media.

Mission Impossible? Placement opportunity in Dubai

We learn of an immediate vacancy for a PR student to support the Communications Manager at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Palm Resort hotel in Dubai.

Five ways into PR

I have frequent conversations with students and graduates about routes into PR; I’m also alert to the changes in higher education and the arrival of apprenticeships, writes Richard Bailey. While no piece of advice can be right for everyone, here are five ways to get into PR (if that’s what you want).

Job vacancies (August update)

Opportunities for graduates and PR account executives.

PR role models: Lynne Franks

PR student Chelsea Galpin explains why Lynne Franks is a role model for women in PR.

Job vacancies

We post vacancies as we become aware of them – but please check the date they were posted because some will go very quickly.

Dear students, Please try harder

PR consultancy director Liz Cartwright is frustrated by poor emails from students. Here’s what you should be doing instead.

Job of a lifetime in TV publicity

Bryony Czujko profles recent PR graduate James Hall, who has his ‘dream job’ in TV publicity.

Seven tips: getting a job using social media

Success appears to come easily to those who work hard. Current London Metropolitan student Elisabeth Gjosund listens to recent graduate Katerina Hejralova.

Interview tips for perfect placements

PR students are under pressure to secure their perfect placements. Tom Fawcett hears from successful applicants what it took to impress Disney and Vauxhall.

Apprenticeship vs Degree: A Student’s View

With talk of a brand new PR apprenticeship rife within the industry and many people in favour of this PRCA supported programme, I wanted to look at what this means for PR degrees and students both present and future, asking the question; is this really such a good idea? The new programme developed by Pearson [...]

How to land that dream job in PR

Placement student Laura Eardley shares some of the inside lessons she’s learnt about personal branding.

The beauty of PR

Wanting to work in entertainment PR, Abigail Johnson contacted UKTV to explore what it takes to promote new shows.

Top four reasons to do a PR placement

Recently at university I was asked to research the question, ‘What are the benefits of a year long PR placement?’ writes Rebecca Wharmby.

As exciting as flying

Michelle Jones profiles Outstanding Young Communicator Lisa Gutcher.

Still sexy after all these years?

In five years since graduating, Katherine Shenton has won awards for her PR work and has experience of working in the public sector, for an agency and now freelance. Adele Roberts profiles a PR star.

Foot in the door

How can you position yourself amongst crowds of graduates and secure a good starting position in PR? Joe Richards describes how to take the first steps on this journey.

Dear PR, You’re dumped.

Dear PR, I’ve cheated on you. I’ve met someone called marketing communications and you’re dumped, writes Jeannyfar Gelpcke.

Gain experience – and do good

Struggling to find interesting placement opportunities? You should volunteer for a charity comms team says Danielle Stott.

It’s not what you know, but who you know

Students are told to find work experience placements to build their CVs. But even unpaid shadowing opportunites are hard to find, reports Adele Roberts.

Mock Interview with CIPR’s Phil Morgan

Phil Morgan, Director of Policy and Communications at the CIPR answers some common interview questions to provide inspiration for PR graduates.

How to make it in PR

Mission Agency’s Justin McKeown gives his five top tips for making it in the PR industry.

PrettyGreen recruit learns the ropes

‘Initially, what really struck me was the quirky nature of the office; they had a big Union Jack fridge, a great open plan layout and the meeting room was furnished with a ping-pong table’. Alex Judd describes his placement at award-winning consultancy Pretty Green.

Keep on wearing that big smile of yours

Internships in the US are often unpaid, but Charlotte Giver would do it all over again. She reports on her year as a fashion PR intern in Los Angeles.

A degree in Journalism is not enough

A good degree in Sports Journalism wasn’t enough. Steven Woodgate has found the right combination in an MA in PR and work experience at a non-league football club.

Never a dull day in fashion PR

What’s it like working in PR for a fashion retailer? Rosey Stones reports on her summer placement at Isabella Oliver.

Patience, passion and persistence

For any student approaching the end of university, finding a job is a daunting prospect. New PR graduate Ellie Stokes recounts her struggles and successes.

Lord Protector of Happiness

With increased student debt, record high youth unemployment and general down in the dumpness, there has never been a worse time to be a student. To reverse this The Student Happiness Movement is looking to appoint a number of Lord Protectors of Happiness to make university and college campuses happier and more productive places to be, so that students can flourish.

Mind the career gap

The gap year used to be taken before university. Now people take travel gaps all all stages, even mid career. Laura Smith reports on travel trends.

Why become a ‘fan’ of the CIPR?

Keen graduates cannot gain a fast track to CIPR membership, so are limited to becoming a ‘fan’ of the institute – for a fee. Oana Baetica thinks this is bad for graduates and bad for the profession.

Graduate job hunt 2.0

It’s tough graduating in a recession, but Laura Smith finds some reasons to be hopeful. There are still jobs available, you just need to look in different places for them.

Working in-house at Macmillan

Macmillan cancer support offers a number of internships throughout the year. In this article Stephen Nunes and Ed Thornton, both currently interning at Macmillan, take a look at the work they do for the charity.

My experience at Bright One

With Bright One founder, Ben Matthews, guest editing Behind The Spin this month, Hayley Chow gives us an insight to what it is like working for the volunteer-led agency.

Whatever happened to the likely grads?

It’s tough for graduates to differentiate themselves in the scramble for career opportunities. Ben Smith of PRmoment.com tells how Sarah Murray made the breakthrough.

What to wear: diary of an intern

‘Lucky PR girl’ Jeannyfar Gelpcke describes a typical day in the office. It’s a costume drama.

Unpaid internships: no pay, no play?

A BBC documentary has sparked a fierce debate about unpaid internships in public relations. Hannah Corkish and Carys Samuel consider the lessons learned and offer their advice to fellow students.

Fashion: the business of image

Fashion makes headlines; it’s also big business. Jessica North discusses how to break into this competitive area.

So you want to work in entertainment PR?

Laura Crimmons profiles Zoe Baldwin, a PR graduate and practitioner who has launched a website to help other students.

The CIPR Foundation Award: money well spent?

There’s a new entry-level PR qualification. Undergraduate student Karl Booton tells how he gained the CIPR Foundation Award.

Lessons learned since uni

New PR consultant Katy Jameson reports on ten lessons learned since she graduated last summer.

Male models, blindfolds, and a gorgeous rugby player

Working for Manchester-based ‘events and live communication’ agency Ear to the Ground is the seventh placement I have completed since the start of my degree in public relations, writes Emma Fawcett.

Bright ones seek to impress

Impress London was a one-day conference to connect employers with PR students and hopefuls. Carli Smith reports for Behind the Spin.

Final year: a time to fear or a time to shine?

Final year students are understandably focused on their dissertations. But, as Natalie Smith explains, they should set their sights on graduate opportunities too.

Social media, PR and the next big thing

Managing Director of 33 Digital, Drew Benvie, explains the origins of working in social media before the phrase even existed.

Positive profile for footballers: here’s how to do it

Football operates in the short term and bad publicity follows footballers. It doesn’t have to be like this, says sports and entertainment PR specialist Will Wood.

Getting your name out there and why it’s important

PR students are constantly being reminded of the importance of reputation, so why not put some of your effort into applying the techniques studied into your own lives? It is a concept Carli Smith likes to call: Brand Me.

PR is reputation management, not events management

First year students are often confused about the distinction between Public Relations and Events Management. Katerina Hejralova has studied both subjects at university and describes the many similarities and differences between the disciplines.

How to get a First in PR

Bethany Ansell graduated with a first class degree in Public Relations and Communication from Southampton Solent University. Here’s what worked for her in achieving her goal.

Jobs and placement links

Useful links for those seeking jobs or internships in public relations.

PR and marketing: two sides of a coin

Public relations and marketing are often confused and sometimes seen in opposition to each other. Nathaniel Southworth-Barlow ACIM discusses what PR can learn from marketing – and vice versa.

Blinded by the paps

The expectations are rising and the media is fragmenting – but consumer and lifestyle PR business is still conducted at celebrity parties says Jason Gale.

Twelve months on

One year ago, Jess Hall was a graduating student. Here she reflects on her year in a PR consultancy and offers advice to those who would follow in her footsteps.

Not just PRty girls

Carli Smith responds to a recent Behind the Spin article by giving her take on ‘what is PR?’

Trick interview question: what is PR?

Successful graduate applicant Michael Higham describes the process of applying to work in a PR consultancy.

From Bournemouth to Sandbanks

Bournemtouth Graduate Amy Wallett has joined Liz Lean PR in Sandbanks, Dorset.

Carly’s a new rising star

A new work placement scheme at University of Lincoln has started brightly, reports Jane Crofts.

10 second tip from 10 Yetis

‘Always keep your ear to the ground and listen out for a good story’, says Emma of 10 Yetis in her ten second tip.

How to get started in PR

You may get a good degree, but will you secure a good graduate job? Hannah Stephenson reports on the challenges facing final year PR students.

A planner’s guide to starting a PR career

Finding graduate opportunities is challenging in a recession. But a strong applicant and a growth business make a winning combination, as Katy Jameson recounts.

Pay for placements?

Payment for placements is a hot topic on both sides of the Atlantic. It appears unpaid internships might be illegal in the US, but they’re still seen as worthwhile in the UK when arranged for educational purposes. The CIPR’s revised Work Placement Charter addresses this grey area reports Richard Bailey.

Only 22% of top PR pros are actively using Twitter

While researching a Twitter list of top PR practitioners, David Clare and Emily Cagle found that few were active participants in the medium of the moment. Why, they wonder, is this the case?

Bright Ideas, Big City

Students at Birmingham City University are working on a project to revitalise the city’s creative network, as Sarah Stevenson describes.

A spoonful of sugar: health service communications

PR student Peter Finnegan contacted Tony Ellis, head of communications at Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, for this Behind the Spin interview.

In at the deep end

CIPR student representative Michael White had to learn quickly once his PR event grew beyond the confines of the university.

The development of public relations in Romania

A Romanian studying PR in the UK, Oana Jinga discusses the growth of the industry in her home country with a PR student in Bucharest.

Guide to celebrity endorsement

Celebrities can add lustre to a launch, but there are risks as well as rewards when it comes to celebrity endorsement. Golley Slater’s Agatha Chapman-Poole offers her advice.

Survival of the specialist

Success in your chosen field depends on your ability to work hard and gain specialist skills and knowledge, argues Jan Felt.

Confessions of a Facebook addict

The growth in digital PR opportunities has encouraged Clare Thomas to re-evaluate her ambition to work in fashion. Besides, it’s a good place to be for a Facebook addict.

Media relations: it’s about relationships, not spam

According to a new campaign, 1.7 billion irrelevant press releases are sent out in the UK each year. What happened to media relationships, asks Carli Smith.

Bridging the digital skills gap

Despite the recession, there’s a shortage of talent in digital PR. Ben Cotton asks what graduates should know and do to meet this demand.

Learning the rules of PR writing

Writing stories as a PR professional should be a doddle for an experienced journalist like me. Or so I thought, as I prepared for a short internship in the communications office at Cambridge University, writes Nick Rennie.

Golden rules for getting work experience in a PR agency

Being accepted for PR work experience requires you to show good communication skills. Agency boss Steve McComish reveals what works for him.

My career: from uni to UN

Just a year on from graduating, Richard Millington is now Social Media/Online Community Manager at the United Nations in Geneva. He tells how he built is CV to secure this opportunity.

Public Relations graduate schemes

Ben Cotton has compiled a list of PR consultancies running graduate schemes in 2010.

How to secure your placement

You’re on a sandwich course, starting your second year at university and you’ve just been told to think about the internship you’re told you’ll need for next year. So what should you expect? Be prepared for a shock, says Nathaniel Southworth-Barlow.

ABC of B2B

Leaving university and starting a PR job meant learning the ropes of business-to-business copywriting for Sarah Callender. Here she shares her tips on making the adjustment.

Student from Leeds ‘lives it and loves it’ in Manchester

A placement year can seem a daunting challenge, but for Amanda Fox it meant working in a new sector in a new city – and never looking back.

The glamour game

Placement student Alice Harper was excited to represent an international cosmetics brand. In this article she discusses whether her preconceptions matched the reality of being involved in beauty PR.

The real work starts here

During her placement year with a charity, Claire Pace learnt about Britain’s biggest killer and turned in the process from being a PR student into a PR practitioner.

‘Chicago School’ leads the world in PR careers advice

There’s much valuable experience and free advice out there on blogs for those in the early stages of their PR careers. Richard Bailey recommends two, coincidentally both produced by Chicago-based PR consultants.

Ben Matthews: All in a day’s work

Ben Matthews describes a busy day in the life of a PR consultant who chooses to do public relations voluntary work in his spare time.

How to be a student professional

Tom Lay describes the first year of a not-for-profit, student-run PR consultancy, Raw Sunshine.

Agency or charity: which is best for me?

With two very different placements under her belt, first year PR student Laura Crimmons assesses their merits

Face to face or Facebook?

Emma Long explores the approaches PR students can use to make friends and influence people in the industry in a PR student’s guide to networking

Why I’m leaving PR

Behind the Spin’s news editor Laura Smith tells why she’s leaving public relations.

How to start a PR consultancy business

It would take a brave individual to start a company straight out of university. But with a couple of years’ experience under your belt it’s realistic option. As PR entrepreneur and Speed managing director Stephen Waddington describes, there’s opportunity aplenty for new businesses in the PR and communications industry.

So you wannabe a PR star?

Public relations remains a popular career choice, but many first year students have an unrealistic picture of what’s involved. Richard Bailey discusses what you should know about your chosen course and career.

Hard Times or Great Expectations?

With the economy in reverse-thrust, Laura Smith asks what this means for the job prospects of PR graduates.

Don’t OD on your FB

A student not addicted to Facebook? Amy Grimshaw explains why and how she kicked the habit.

Public relations or public enemy?

Postgraduate student Tessa Lewis considers the poor reputation of PR and wonders how much this matters.

PR bunnies or natural born communicators?

It’s no secret that women outnumber me in PR. Amanda Wadlow asks why this should be.