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
Senior Stakeholder Relations Specialist (L3)
3-5 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Leading end-to-end campaigns, managing specific stakeholder groups independently, mentoring junior staff, and starting to advise on tactical decisions.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed at least 3-4 complex communications campaigns from start to finish.
- Consistently sought out for advice by peers and junior colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and proactively flag potential issues, not just react to them.
- Comfortable presenting to internal teams and mid-level managers.
- 2
Public Affairs Manager (from another organisation)
5-8 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Government relations, policy analysis, coalition building, and influencing legislative processes.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of successfully influencing policy outcomes or building strong government relationships.
- Strong understanding of political landscapes and regulatory processes.
- Ability to translate complex policy into clear, actionable communications strategies.
- Experience managing multiple, often competing, external interests.
- 3
Senior Communications Consultant (from agency)
6-10 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Client management, strategic campaign development across multiple sectors, and pitching for new business.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed multiple client accounts, delivering successful communications strategies.
- Experience advising senior client leadership on complex reputational issues.
- Strong project management skills, often juggling several demanding projects simultaneously.
- Deep understanding of media relations across various industries.