The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
University Graduate / Internship Programme
0-1 year post-graduation or 6-12 month internshipSkills to master
- Mastering basic office etiquette, efficient task execution, clear communication, and foundational PR tool usage (e.g., Cision for media lists).
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering accurate work on time.
- Proactively asking for more responsibility and learning opportunities.
- Receiving positive feedback on teamwork and attitude.
- 2
Administrative / Marketing Assistant
1-2 years in a support roleSkills to master
- Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, managing multiple priorities, and basic content creation (e.g., social media posts).
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrable ability to manage complex schedules or projects.
- Experience with drafting professional communications.
- A clear interest in transitioning specifically into PR.
- 3
Journalism / Media Studies Background
0-2 years post-graduation (may include student media experience)Skills to master
- Understanding news values, strong writing and research skills, and an appreciation for journalist deadlines and needs.
You're ready to move on when
- A portfolio of written articles or media projects.
- Ability to quickly grasp company messaging and translate it into newsworthy angles.
- A willingness to learn the 'other side' of media relations (the pitching side).