Back in July, we welcomed Emily Hooper to Open Communications. As a college student, she is exploring a possible career in PR. Find out what she thought of agency life and how this may have shaped the opportunities she explores in the future.
As a current A-Level student, I am in the process of figuring out my future and my next steps towards an eventual career, with an angle of English in mind. I have always been fascinated by language and the importance that literature holds in the real world to communicate meaning so PR has stood out to me as an ideal career path.
During my study of English and Media, I have learnt to analyse discourse to reveal its intended and hidden meanings, how to write and structure a succinct and comprehensive piece of literature and have also developed my empathy and cultural awareness to communicate with and to a plethora of different demographics and psychographics.
What draws me to PR, is the combination of creativity and communication used alongside the intention and strategy behind the crafting of media messages. I am interested by the variation in the work and the constant problem-solving that is required to navigate the needs of clients.
A day in the life of a PR executive
As a student, I was really interested in how we can apply the theory we are learning into practice. As such, I decided to get in touch with Open Comms to see if I could come along for some work experience to gauge what a typical working day looks like for them, the type of tasks they are faced with and what a career in PR really entails.
I was initially impressed by the creative and communal atmosphere of the building, which is based at Tileyard North in Wakefield, and the bunch of friendly faces I was met and welcomed with.
I really enjoyed being in a relaxed office environment as I felt I could work independently while being surrounded by like-minded people who are all willing to help at any moment.
Seeing how the team worked together showed me just how valuable collaboration can be and how hard-working every individual is to reach their end goal, while also loving their job!
I was pleasantly surprised by the type of activities I was introduced to and given to do throughout the day and found the relationship between the company and their clients fascinating.
For example, I was tasked with creating a timetable of social media posts across multiple platforms for Glaziers Hall, a Livery building in London. I was specifically intrigued by the purpose of each platform, the difference in target audience and the types of things you need to consider to meet these requirements.
What stood out most was the down-to-earth, straight-talking nature of the agency which made the experience so comfortable and made me feel very accomplished through my work.
I feel very lucky to have gained this experience and to have witnessed very positive real-life examples of the work that is required and that goes on in this sector and I’m sure it is very much for me.
This experience has ultimately confirmed that PR could be the path for me!
Adapting to a changing landscape
Something to consider about this career path however is the rise in AI and the uncertainty this creates for those working in the area as it has the potential to displace people from their jobs or at least will require a level of adaptation as the need for people to operate these jobs will reduce significantly.
This industry is constantly changing and developing though so it is impossible to predict what the future holds; companies will always require the skills of those who can understand the way people think and feel about an organisation or brand and how to adapt and overcome in the face of adversity.
Overall, in a few years’ time, I can absolutely see myself working in an environment such as this one, doing the jobs that Lindsey and Laura from Open Comms are doing. Given it is a blend of everything that interests me now as an English/Media student, along with the whole atmosphere and community that was so pleasant to be a part of, I can certainly see myself working in an agency.
Where I see myself in the future
I see myself with a degree in English, employed in a company such as Open Comms doing work in PR, communicating with and writing for clients to support their brand and build their reputation.
I’m sure that I will thrive in a job like this, getting to be around and collaborate with other people and enjoy the fact that no two days are the same! PR is an unpredictable career but from what I have seen, a fascinating, very rewarding job and a lovely kind of environment to work in.