As a recent graduate of a Fashion Communications master's degree in the midst of the COVID pandemic, my journey in building a career in PR was characterised by resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of professional growth. In this post, I’ll share the key milestones and experiences that have shaped my trajectory, from navigating remote internships to leveraging my communication skills in retail, ultimately leading me to my exciting role at Rock Kitchen Harris.

Mastering adaptability

Graduating during the height of the COVID pandemic posed unique challenges. However, I approached this situation as an opportunity to showcase my determination and adaptability. I secured an internship at a lifestyle PR agency that swiftly transitioned to remote work, which enabled me to gain valuable hands-on experience while honing my virtual collaboration and communication skills. I quickly familiarised myself with various digital tools, leveraging them to effectively engage with clients, coordinate media campaigns, and maintain seamless communication within the team.

The ability to adapt to new circumstances and make the most of remote work has become a crucial skillset in today's ever-changing professional landscape. One of the biggest lessons I have learnt from these experiences is that tenacity and a ‘can-do’ attitude will take you far within public relations. A willingness to say ‘yes’ and do things outside of your comfort zone helps to build resilience and confidence, and gives you the experiences that make it easier to adapt to changing landscapes.

Leveraging relevant experience

I also worked in retail around this time, which gave me an unexpected yet invaluable opportunity to develop my communication skills. Interacting with diverse customers on a daily basis honed my ability to connect with people and understand their needs. I became adept at adaptation; tweaking my communication style to different audiences and resolving conflicts effectively. This reinforced my passion for building meaningful relationships and crafting compelling narratives, skills that are fundamental in the field of public relations.

Seizing serendipitous opportunities

As I pursued my career in PR, I stumbled upon a job opening at Rock Kitchen Harris, a renowned creative agency with a stellar reputation. Intrigued by their client portfolio and progressive approach to the industry, I submitted my application. After my initial video interview with the PR team, I completed a written brief to showcase my abilities and talents. This was followed by a video call with one of our brilliant directors to chat about company culture and how new employees integrate into the RKH team.

To my delight, I was offered the role. Joining Rock Kitchen Harris marked a significant turning point; I’m working with high-profile clients, collaborating with talented professionals, and further refining my skills. The innovative and dynamic environment has really boosted my professional growth, allowing me to thrive in an industry that demands creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for storytelling.

Building a successful career in public relations requires determination, adaptability, and seizing opportunities, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. Graduating during the COVID pandemic, I navigated remote internships, leveraged my retail experience to enhance my communication skills, and ultimately found my way to an exciting role at Rock Kitchen Harris.

My journey stands as a testament to the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and remaining open to unexpected paths. I’m confident that the lessons I’ve learned and the skills I’ve honed will continue to push me forward in the world of PR, where adaptability and embracing opportunities are key to long-term success.

Top tips for building your PR career

• Saying yes to new experiences: no career path has a set guidance or timeframe to follow, and outside circumstances can sometimes affect the job market as well. However, you need to be open and receptive to experiences; sometimes it can take a while to find the right place for you but trust in your abilities and put in the work to see everything come to fruition. Look beyond the traditional PR path and explore opportunities in related fields - transferable skills acquired in different industries can add depth to your PR practice and make you a well-rounded professional.
• Be adaptable: Being able to quickly adapt to new environments has become one of my greatest skills. It shows resilience and reliability, and these are crucial characteristics to have in the PR industry. By refining these abilities, you’ll feel more confident completing any task and you’ll be able to find lessons and embrace change.The PR industry is ever-evolving, and adaptability is key to success. The ability to pivot and thrive in rapidly changing environments is essential in public relations. Embrace new technologies and evolving industry trends to stay ahead.
• Master the art of communication: Communication lies at the heart of PR. Build your verbal and written skills and actively seek opportunities to engage with diverse audiences.
• Network and seize opportunities: Keep a keen eye out for job openings, internships, and networking events within the industry. Serendipity often favours the prepared, so be proactive in building connections and leveraging opportunities that come your way.