Public Relations Manager

A PR manager is responsible for shaping positive corporate image and identity for clients’ organisations. It is usually done through controlled dissemination of information through media and social media channels.

You must be a people person to do well in this role. Networking is a huge part of your job. You need to cultivate excellent working relationships with the media to influence and portray the reputations of your clients’ organisations in the most positive light possible. You need to be able to think on your feet as well, crafting out precise and immediate responses especially when crisis hits. Know exactly what to say and what not to comment, to protect the corporate image. A reputation, be it clients’ or yours, once smeared, will take a long while and vast amount of effort to restore.

Bear in mind that this is not an entry level job, you need to work your way up the ladder. It may take several years to establish yourself in the industry, but once that has been achieved, you can set up your own PR firm if you have that entrepreneurial spirit in you. Working hours are relatively standard, but there will be times when you will be summoned to tend to urgent, negative news, breaking anytime of the day.