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
Media liaison representative
Media relations officer
Public affairs officer
Publicity agent
Discover related degrees
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
Build in-demand skills for a changing world
Develop your skills in critical thinking, writing and research to become an asset across all industries. Tailor your degree to your interests through majors and electives that support your goals. Build connections through networking and 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
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
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
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
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Event and Entertainment Communication
UndergraduateGRF-LHS375
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Communication Campaigns and Strategies
UndergraduateGRF-LHS349
- Study method
- 100% online
Communication for Social and Environmental Responsibility
UndergraduateGRF-LHS348
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Crisis and Disaster Communication
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