Do I need a PR degree?

I’m about to graduate and want to work in PR. My degree is in history – do I need to go and do a PR-based masters course before looking for work?

By Unicorn Jobs

There are quite a few degrees and post-grad qualifications in Public Relations, and whilst they are a good introduction to the industry they are not essential for a career in PR.

What they can offer you though is your first taste of PR work experience. Many of these courses require a work placement element and this will always look good on your CV.

But remember, most PR recruiters do not specifically look for a PR qualification. More important are a good class of degree (subject is really not that important), strong writing skills and an interest in the industry.

Some degrees do naturally lend themselves to certain areas of PR. If you have a degree in sciences for example, you may find you are more naturally drawn to healthcare PR where an understanding of scientific information is important.

But what ever your academic background, our advice for budding PR professionals is the same: get some work experience under your belt, brush up on your writing skills and get your CV into tip-top condition. Enthusiastic candidates with a passion for communications and the media will go far – PR degree or no PR degree.