Over in Brisbane, one of our Junior Account Executives, Jess, recently completed the PRCA Foundation Certificate.

Below are some of her insights into the qualification and the impact it has had on her professional development.

Why did I do the PRCA course? 

I came to Liquid through an apprenticeship program as a Junior Account Executive after realising the traditional route of a degree wasn’t for me anymore.

As a budding, aspiring communications professional, I sought to enhance my understanding of public relations practices, industry standards, and ethical considerations while continuing my role at Liquid and putting my learnings into practice.

Throughout the course, I delved into various aspects of the field, gaining invaluable insights and skills that have refined my abilities and broadened my perspectives.

Each module offered unique insights into the industry’s nuances, from how to be a ‘creative’, to the strategic planning process of different types of campaigns.

Not only that, but it was also a really enjoyable experience and a great way to meet similar people doing the course and be taught by some of the top dogs in PR and communications!

My top three takeaways from the course:  

1. Comprehensive and Industry-Recognised Curriculum:

The PRCA Foundation Certificate offered me a well-rounded and up-to-date curriculum. As the industry experts design it, the certificate holds significant recognition within the PR and communications sector, making it a valuable addition to my professional growth.

2. Confidence Boost:

As I progressed through the course and gained a deeper understanding of PR best practices, my confidence in handling PR tasks and engaging with stakeholders undoubtedly increased.

This new-found confidence has positively impacted my performance and role in supporting our client services in Brisbane and significantly assisted me in understanding the need for world-class ethical practices and strategic thinking to gain the best possible results.

3. Networking Opportunities:

As mentioned, one of the highlights for me was the numerous webinars and classroom sessions where like-minded aspiring PR professionals and industry experts are brought together, providing a positive and exciting platform for networking and collaboration.

How has it helped me with my move to the Australia office?  

From my time in Brisbane, I have learned that prioritising building connections within the industry can lead to many valuable opportunities.

This course was a great way to get to know industry leaders and other like-minded people and gain an understanding of the differing thought processes and ideas that can come together to create a successful campaign.

It also allowed me to grow my confidence when discussing new business opportunities and how a PR and communications agency like ours can positively impact organisations.

As I continue to grow in my career, I’m grateful for the opportunities this course has opened up for me. The PRCA Foundation Certificate has not only validated my passion for public relations but also reaffirmed the importance of ethical conduct and strategic thinking in building meaningful relationships between organisations and their stakeholders.

How was it juggling the move to Australia and also studying the course? 

Juggling studying for the course whilst also working and moving my life to the other side of the world made for a busy time, but it was also a valuable lesson in time management.

Ensuring I met personal deadlines became essential and was a great way to practice and get used to juggling delivering the best results for myself and the qualification but also for my clients and ensuring everything was noticed in my transition to Australia.

Worth doing? 

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting, I highly recommend the PRCA Foundation Certificate as a stepping stone towards honing your PR skills and achieving excellence and confidence in this ever-evolving field.

For more information on PRCA courses, visit their website here: https://www.prca.org.uk/training/courses