Pharmafile Logo

Brand new to PR? Keep calm and pitch on!

March 4, 2019 |  

Entering the world of public relations (PR) I thought my understanding of what an average day would entail was comprehensive. My first 6 months as a PR professional has shown me that this was far from true. The pace and variety of the role, coupled with the diversity of the clients and projects has provided unparalleled learning opportunities and a job that is truly different every day of the week.

PR is a multifaceted field, with many opportunities to be creative. I work within the healthcare sector where on any given day you can go from working with a pharmaceutical company in a highly-regulated environment, to collaborating with consumer brands that allow a more imaginative approach, all with opportunities for partnership with healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups.

If like me, you’re just starting a career in PR, although not an exhaustive list, here are some of the key things I have learned:

  • There are endless learning opportunities. Every task you do will help you to develop your skills, both professional and personal, and give you new insight into your target industry.
  • Ask as many questions as you need to! It is better to ask a question than potentially make a mistake that could have been avoided had you spoken up. Your colleagues will appreciate this and you will progress much faster.
  • Be news aware. Having awareness of the latest news stories is both useful in a general sense and also allows you to identify valuable opportunities for your clients.
  • Pitching to journalists can be intimidating. Listen in on other colleagues’ calls, write down a script and ultimately be confident!
  • Take lots of notes. You never know when that added piece of information will come in handy!
  • A to-do list is key. Keeping track of everything you need to do will keep you on the ball and help you prioritise.
  • Finally, remind yourself that pretty much everyone around you has also been in your position at some point, and listen to their advice – they’ve learned from mistakes so you don’t have to!

In my first six months working in PR I have learned more than I thought possible, with new lessons and tips every day. Combine this with the excitement and challenge that comes with the job, and it makes for one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s not a career for everyone, but for those considering it I would urge you to take that leap – you won’t be disappointed.

By Lewis P.

This content was provided by Say Communications

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Say Communications 

Keeping A&E usage to a minimum – the comms challenges

Say’s latest blog takes a festive trip to A&E, and reflects on the comms challenges facing this overworked department.

2015 was avid for the avocado

In 2015 avocado trended across the media. One Say blogger wonders what PR lessons we can learn from this healthy fruit?

Doctor doctor, where are all the men?

New data show that half of men put off visiting the doctor. Why is this and what can be done to prevent it?

Digital health: Breaking barriers in Health by Debashis Bhattacharya and Kamlesh Sheth

Co-founding directors of Aegleio, Kamlesh Sheth and Debashis Bhattacharya, urge us to welcome digital health.

Celebrities communicating a health or charity message by Jenny Agutter

Call the Midwife star Jenny Agutter talks about the power of celebrity in communicating health and charity messages.

Can Bitcoin make your medical records more secure?

Discover why the data encryption technology 'blockchain' could be the safest option for the future of medical records storage

Communicating the prevention message by Tam Fry

Tam Fry, spokesperson of the National Obesity Forum, discusses how prevention is key to tackling the childhood obesity epidemic in the UK.

Why is behaviour change so difficult? By Patrick Ladbury, Communications Manager at the National Social Marketing Centre.

Patrick Ladbury nudges us to overcome the barriers to behaviour change. Read on to find out.

Why is the UK lagging behind the rest of Europe in cancer survival?

Say Communications, London healthcare PR agency, discusses the latest technologies that will improve cancer survival rates in UK

England may be losers, but is your health a winner?

England is out of the 2015 rugby world cup, but is your health a winner?