BR’s Career Spotlight Series: What Happens In PR Work Experience
At BR, we are always on the lookout for PR talent and encourage those looking for a property PR job to join us through work placements or longer internships. Our very own Martha talks about her week long work placement at the company.
In the summer of 2024, I completed a week of work experience here at the Building Relations office in central Edinburgh. With the dream of studying marketing at university and subsequently pursuing a career in the business industry with a focus in public relations, work experience at Building Relations seemed like the perfect placement, and it was just that!
Prior to my first day, I felt anxious and unsure if I would do well in a PR work setting, but my worries soon subsided after being introduced to the team. After a warm welcome from the extended team in the London and Surrey offices (via a Teams call) it was time to begin my first research task: the benefits of sustainable housing for first-time buyers. After completing this, I was more than ready and motivated for my following tasks, which comprised researching and producing area audits for locations across the UK including Bath, Essex County, and even a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh. I really enjoyed these tasks as they required me to focus, I could practice my writing skills and it was interesting to delve into the local history.
From the remarkable facilities to the continuous support from the team, I felt very accommodated during my time here. An example of this is when Lauren, an account executive, guided me on how to structure an area audit. Having been assigned a packed schedule prior to my arrival, I was given the opportunity to explore several aspects of the field of PR throughout the week. Not only did this widen my knowledge of what a property pr job entailed, but it also improved my ability to contribute to a team setting and apply myself to produce work of a satisfactory standard.
My highlight of the week would have to be when the team and I went on a site visit to the new AMA Village View developments in Dean Village, as it was such an interesting experience to take a step into the world of real estate development. We filmed numerous videos of the apartments and had the pleasure of visiting the luxurious penthouse apartment on the top floor, which overlooks the scenic Dean Village. I consider myself very fortunate to have toured such an exquisite property.
This week has taught me that working in a PR firm is a very fast-paced environment and calls for both efficiency and soft skills when communicating with others. I have also learnt that there is a wide range of different positions that all play an important role within the firm, which I was initially oblivious to.
Reflecting on this week, I can say with certainty that this placement has enabled me to gain both the relevant experience that will guide me later down the line, and a better understanding of what a job in the PR field would be like. It is an incredibly communicative and organised working environment at Building Relations, and I strongly recommend work experience here.
If you’d like to kick start your career with a property PR job, take a look at our current vacancies.