Learn some of the best ways to assess, learn, apply, diversify, and adapt your skills in PR, and how they can benefit your career and organization.

Join a professional institution, in PR two notable ones are the CIPR and the PRCA. Both provide a variety of training opportunities from technical PR skill development to leadership training - some of the training is free as part of your membership, with paid courses usually available at discounted rate. Participate in an annual CPD programme, I do the CIPR CPD and am required to obtain 60 points which can be gained by attending conferences, online learning, mentoring, volunteering and more. This is a great way to hold myself accountable for my own development in tandem with on-the-job learning. Volunteer - Join a committee, develop skills outside of what you do at work & meet cool people in the process! 🤓

What are the best ways to develop a diverse skill set in PR?

Public relations (PR) is a dynamic and versatile profession that requires a wide range of skills and competencies. Whether you are a PR specialist, manager, or consultant, you need to constantly update and expand your skill set to meet the changing needs and expectations of your clients, stakeholders, and audiences. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to develop a diverse skill set in PR that can help you excel in your career and deliver value to your organization.

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step to developing a diverse skill set in PR is to assess your current strengths and identify the areas where you need to improve or learn new skills. You can use various tools and methods to conduct a self-audit, such as online assessments, feedback surveys, performance reviews, or personal reflection. By doing this, you can gain a clear picture of your core competencies, such as writing, research, planning, communication, or creativity, and your developmental needs, such as technical, analytical, strategic, or interpersonal skills.

Add your perspective

2 Seek learning opportunities

The next step is to seek learning opportunities that can help you acquire or enhance the skills that you need or want to develop. There are many ways to learn new skills in PR, such as taking online courses, reading books or blogs, attending webinars or workshops, joining professional associations or networks, or following industry trends and best practices. You can also look for internal or external mentors, coaches, or peers who can guide you, challenge you, or support you in your learning journey.

Add your perspective

Naomi MG Smith Chart.PR MCIPR

Digital & Insights, FTI Consulting + Board Member, Coventry University Students' Union.
Report contribution
Join a professional institution, in PR two notable ones are the CIPR and the PRCA. Both provide a variety of training opportunities from technical PR skill development to leadership training - some of the training is free as part of your membership, with paid courses usually available at discounted rate. Participate in an annual CPD programme, I do the CIPR CPD and am required to obtain 60 points which can be gained by attending conferences, online learning, mentoring, volunteering and more. This is a great way to hold myself accountable for my own development in tandem with on-the-job learning. Volunteer - Join a committee, develop skills outside of what you do at work & meet cool people in the process! 🤓

Like

Load more contributions

3 Apply your skills in practice

The third step is to apply your skills in practice and test them in real-world situations. You can do this by volunteering for new projects, tasks, or roles that require you to use or demonstrate the skills that you are learning or improving. You can also seek feedback, evaluation, or recognition from your managers, colleagues, clients, or stakeholders on how well you are performing or delivering with your new or enhanced skills. By doing this, you can measure your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your learning goals accordingly.

Add your perspective

4 Diversify your experience

The fourth step is to diversify your experience and expose yourself to different types of PR work, clients, industries, or markets. You can do this by seeking new opportunities, challenges, or collaborations within or outside your organization that can broaden your perspective, expand your network, or increase your value proposition. You can also explore different PR specialties, such as media relations, crisis management, social media, or employee engagement, that can complement or enrich your existing skill set and expertise.

Add your perspective

Charlie O.
Report contribution
The best way to develop a diverse tool set is to use those tools. Early in your career it's crucial to get your hands dirty with as many aspects of the communications spectrum as you can. Volunteer to be put on new projects, work on social calendars, work on analyst projects, become a jack of all trades early so that when you do specialise you aren't a one trick pony, you have capabilities in those other areas as well.

Like

5 Reflect and adapt

The final step is to reflect and adapt your skill set to the changing PR landscape and the evolving needs and expectations of your organization and your audiences. You can do this by keeping track of your achievements, challenges, and learnings, and by updating your portfolio, resume, or profile accordingly. You can also monitor the trends, innovations, and opportunities in the PR field, and by staying curious, flexible, and open-minded about new ways of doing PR.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are the best ways to develop a diverse skill set in PR?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Seek learning opportunities

3 Apply your skills in practice

4 Diversify your experience

5 Reflect and adapt

6 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Public Relations

More relevant reading

What are the best ways to develop a diverse skill set in PR?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Seek learning opportunities

3 Apply your skills in practice

4 Diversify your experience

5 Reflect and adapt

6 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills