Thinking About a Career in PR?

We’re often asked at Flourish about how to get started in PR. There are several different routes into PR, and it’s really about finding the one which suits you and then aligning this with the opportunities available.

PR as an industry and profession has evolved enormously over the past twenty years and developments in technology have acted as a catalyst for this change. Technology has also impacted the role and function of PR within organisations, and therefore created new opportunities for many.

To help illustrate the diverse ways into PR, we’ve shone the spotlight of attention on Hannah Woodhead this week.

Hannah returned to Flourish PR after completing a summer internship at Flourish in the summer of 2021. She is now working as a PR and Social Media Assistant in conjunction with her university course. Below Hannah explains what made her want to return to Flourish after her internship and why she thinks this role harmoniously coincides with her university course making this a solution where everyone benefits.

After your summer internship, how did you find your first week at university?

My first week of university was very nerve racking. Being in a massive campus with thousands of people, I found it extremely hard to keep my cool. Finding my rooms for my seminars wasn’t too hard surprisingly, there were maps everywhere! Everyone was super friendly and in the same position as me which made me feel at ease. I have to mention the night life at university is spectacular too.

What are you studying at university?

I am studying History at Reading University. I travel in four times a week for my seminars and, due to COVID, lectures are online.

Why did you choose History?

I chose History because I am a complete History nerd! I love History from learning stories and events to analysing them and drafting essays. History allows me to express my opinion, to critique different historians and to contribute to debates. What I enjoy the most is the opportunity to think broadly, to dig deep in research and pull apart the story.

What does your new role at Flourish PR involve?

My new role, after completing a PR summer internship at Flourish, is working as a PR and Social Media Assistant. I am there to lend a helping hand to my team. I am always seeking new opportunities for our clients on different platforms and creating targeted and relevant media lists to pitch our clients too for editorial opportunities. I also liaise with journalists, source information and research background information for campaigns. Additionally, I help with the social media content for Flourish, sharing client news and engaging with our audiences.

Why did you want to return to Flourish after your internship?

After my summer internship at Flourish, I realised I was fascinated by PR and loved the busy high energy working atmosphere. Having the opportunity to do History and pursue a career in PR was the perfect combination for me.

How do you help Flourish clients?

Although not working with the client directly, behind the scenes I contribute to client accounts by researching background information for campaigns, sourcing imagery and video content, liaising with media and searching for new editorial opportunities such as forward features and profile pieces.

Do you think your university course will help you in your role? If so, how?

One of the key components of History is writing and this is the same for PR too. From press releases, email pitching to blogs and social content there is always writing to be done in the agency. My ability to write and communicate a point is especially useful in the world of PR, Marketing and Social Media. Also, between History and PR there is a big link between the importance of research.

What would you say your main strengths are?

Researching and understanding events and/or a particular time period plus analysing the effects of certain rulers, beliefs, and situations.

Why did you choose to pursue university?

I always thought I was going to do a degree apprenticeship. After the pandemic, unemployment rose considerably and so did the demand for jobs. I couldn’t find any apprenticeships available that would suit me and my skills. After my A-Levels, I just loved History even more so decided that the best thing for me to do was to pursue my History at university.

Any final messages to our readers?

I look forward to, hopefully, working with you in the future in making your business flourish!

To find out more about Hannah, see her summer internship blog “My Time at Flourish PR” on August 2nd. Flourish PR will be offering an eight week summer internship for 2022. If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to hello@flourishpr.co.uk

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Rhys Payne • January 10, 2022

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