When I was choosing my A-levels, I went for English Language, Law and Sociology. These were subjects that I enjoyed, and that built on my strengths. I’ve always had a keen interest in English and communication, so naturally found myself drawn to careers where I could use those skills every day. That’s how I discovered public relations. PR felt like the perfect fit, an industry that blends creativity, writing, strategy, and people skills. At its core, PR is all about helping brands build and protect their reputation. That might mean telling a company’s story through the media, creating campaigns that connect with the public, or helping navigate a crisis when something goes wrong. It’s a fast-moving industry where strong communication and clear thinking really matter. Whether you’re working on a press release, speaking to journalists, creating content or helping with events, you’re always finding ways to make a message land and stick.
I currently work at TALA, an international strategic communications consultancy based in Oxfordshire. Our team includes people with backgrounds in journalism, marketing, politics and corporate PR, which makes for a collaborative and insightful environment. We support clients across the world, from global crisis comms to local campaigns, and we’ve recently become an Employee Ownership Trust. That means the company is now owned by us as employees, giving everyone more of a voice in how it’s run and a real sense of shared purpose and investment in our work.
I came into PR through an apprenticeship, which gave me real, hands-on experience straight out of sixth form. Learning while working meant I picked up practical skills quickly and got a head start in the world of work. I also suggest making the most of available resources, such as PRCA webinars, in order to build your knowledge, and understand the bigger picture. Networking, whether through LinkedIn or by attending events, has also played a big part in helping me grow and find early opportunities. If you’re leaving school and looking for a career that combines creativity, storytelling, research and real-world impact, PR could be the right path for you. With more routes than ever into the industry, including apprenticeship, all you need is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in how the world communicates to kick-start your career.
Lotta Baud is a Senior Account Executive at TALA, an international strategic communications consultancy. In her role, she helps clients manage their reputation by crafting compelling stories, engaging with the media, supporting crisis communications, and delivering impactful campaigns. Her work blends creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to ensure her clients' messages resonate and stick.
