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How to become a public relations professional

Portray an organisation’s role, services, products, and effectiveness in a positive way to the public.

What does a public relations professional do?

PR professionals use their excellent communication, analytical, and strategic abilities to manage their clients’ reputations. They shape public opinion by crafting various comms including press releases and social media messaging.

Duties and tasks

  • Develop and implement communication strategies and publicity activities.

  • Inform staff that policies, programs and conduct will affect public relations.

  • Organise public opinion research initiatives and evaluate results to create public relations strategies for the organisation.

  • Plan activities and publications that will enhance reputations including commissioning photographs, illustrations, branding and representing organisations at conferences and social events.

  • Plan and organise events, benefits, performances and partnerships to support positive publicity.

  • Select and review materials from publicity media, photographers, graphic designers and news agencies to promote advantageous publicity.

  • Work with executives to issue news and press releases, organising meetings with publicity media when appropriate.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Communications officer

  • Corporate affairs officer

  • Journalist

  • Media liaison representative

  • Media relations officer

  • Public affairs officer

  • Publicity agent

  • Writer or editor

Discover related degrees

Griffith University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG

Innovators, communicators and creators start here!

Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Creative Writing
  • History and Society
  • Journalism
  • Literature and Culture
  • Strategic Communication
Adelaide University

Bachelor of Communication

UndergraduateADU-COM-DEG

Communicate with impact and drive change

Learn to shape messages that inform, inspire, and connect. You’ll study PR, journalism, digital media, and more. Build real-world projects. Communication experts are needed across all sectors. Graduate ready to craft powerful messages.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Adelaide University

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication

UndergraduateADU-BMC-DEG

Create and communicate winning campaigns

Inspire, engage, and drive success. Learn to design marketing campaigns, analyse data, and use digital tools. Explore branding, PR, and social media. From market research to content creation, you’ll blend creativity with strategy for the competitive edge.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Bachelor of Communication

UndergraduateGRF-COM-DEG

Craft powerful narratives and drive change

Develop communication skills for the digital age. Explore media production and strategic messaging across print and emerging technologies. Build a strong network and a professional portfolio. Graduate career-ready to lead in journalism, PR and digital media.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Creative Writing
  • Journalism
  • Strategic Communication
  • Marketing Communication
Explore public relations courses

Discover related subjects

Griffith University

Event and Entertainment Communication

UndergraduateGRF-LHS375

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026
Griffith University

Communication Campaigns and Strategies

UndergraduateGRF-LHS349

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026
Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026
Griffith University

Crisis and Disaster Communication

UndergraduateGRF-CMM317

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026

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