Communications

A career in communications focuses on how information is created, shared, and managed across diverse audiences. You might work on internal communications within organisations, handle media and public relations, or develop messaging for campaigns.

Typical activities include:

• writing and editing content such as press releases, blogs, reports, or newsletters
• planning communication strategies and core messaging
• managing media relations and responding to press enquiries
• coordinating internal communications and employee updates
• crisis communication and reputation management
• overseeing brand tone and style consistency
• organising events, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement

Some communications roles overlap with public relations (PR), content marketing, or social media, and job titles may vary by employer.

Increasingly, communications professionals are expected to work across digital channels and harness technologies including AI-powered tools (like ChatGPT for content generation), video content creation software, and integrated customer relationship management (CRM) platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot.

The role also involves measurement and evaluation of communication effectiveness using data analytics tools such as Google Analytics and social listening platforms. These help assess audience engagement, track campaign impact, and refine strategies.

Labour market insight

Communications is a growing field, particularly in digital-first roles. The demand for social media, internal communications, and ESG-related messaging has increased across industries.

According to LinkedIn and ONS trends, roles such as digital communications officer or marketing and communications officer are among the most in-demand for early-career professionals.

In the Midlands, growth is also seen in regional government, and creative agencies supporting local business innovation and public health campaigns.

Entry-level roles usually start between £23,000 and £30,000. Salaries may be higher in corporate sectors or London-based roles.

While these fields overlap, it helps to understand the distinctions:

• communications focuses broadly on managing messages and relationships across all stakeholders, internal and external.
• public relations (PR) is more focused on managing a company’s reputation and media relations specifically.
• marketing is centred on promoting products or services to customers and driving sales.
• content roles focus on creating targeted materials like articles, videos, or social media posts to support communications or marketing goals.

Knowing these differences can help you target your applications to roles that best fit your interests and skills.

Communications is a versatile field, with opportunities in:

• public sector and government – NHS, local authorities, civil service, or regulators
• charities and non-profits – often in campaigning, donor communications, or awareness-raising
• corporate organisations – managing internal comms or PR teams
• media and creative agencies – advising multiple clients on strategy or digital comms
• universities and education – student recruitment, public engagement, research communication
• freelance or consultancy – especially in digital content, copywriting, or crisis comms. Freelancers often build up a portfolio and client base after gaining a few years of industry experience.

Whether you prefer strategic planning or hands-on content creation, communications roles exist across industries – from fashion to finance, tech to theatre. Many communications roles now offer remote or hybrid options, particularly in digital content, internal communications, and media strategy.

Some typical graduate roles in communications include:

• communications assistant / officer
• press or media assistant
• PR account executive
• internal communications executive
• stakeholder engagement officer
• campaigns officer
• digital communications officer
• public affairs or policy assistant

More specialist roles include:

• social media manager
• communications strategist
• external relations advisor
• content designer - especially in the public sector where the role focuses on user-centred digital content and accessibility
• corporate communications manager

Where to search:

General graduate Jobs – Milkround, Bright Network, LinkedIn

Public sector and policy – Civil Service Jobs, NHS Careers

Creative and comms-specific – PRWeek Jobs, Guardian Jobs, CharityComms

Communications roles value practical experience – even small-scale projects can help you stand out.

Ways to gain experience:

• Volunteer with student societies, charities or community groups (writing newsletters, managing social media)
• Take on a faculty communications internship or student ambassador role
• Write for university publications or blogs
• Shadow or assist your university’s comms or PR team
• Complete a micro-internship or project-based placement (Nottingham Advantage Award)
• Use X and LinkedIn to follow comms professionals and look out for opportunities to connect or collaborate.
• Build your knowledge through free online courses
• Short courses can help you upskill and show motivation to employers.

Useful platforms and topics include:

• FutureLearn
• Google Digital Garage and Grow with Google – Fundamentals of digital marketing, communicate your ideas through storytelling and design, building a brand
• LinkedIn Learning – Courses in internal communications, content strategy, brand messaging
• OpenLearn – Free courses on writing, media, and society

Look out for:

• Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) student memberships
• PRCA Training Courses – introduction to PR or internal communications

You don’t need a communications degree – many graduates come from humanities, business, politics, or science. But employers will look for:

• excellent written and verbal communication
• ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• creativity, adaptability and problem-solving
• understanding of brand and inclusive voice across channels
• awareness of current affairs, trends, and digital channels
• awareness of inclusive language, accessible communication, and sensitivity to diverse audiences

Additional assets:

• confidence using digital content tools (Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite)
• familiarity with CMS platforms or intranet systems
• research and analytical thinking
• interest in audience insights, user experience, or accessibility

If you're aiming for structured graduate schemes, some larger employers offer graduate schemes in PR, communications or stakeholder engagement – for example:

• Civil Service Fast Stream (Generalist, Digital)
• NHS Graduate Management Scheme
• Wellcome Trust, Save the Children, and other large charities
• Graduate communications schemes in firms like Red Bull, HSBC, FGS Global or Sky

But many communications roles are entry-level, advertised year-round, and require applicants to show experience and enthusiasm more than specific qualifications.

If you’re looking for direct-entry graduate roles:

• Bright Network – operations and communications roles
• LinkedIn or Milkround – filter by entry-level or graduate
• PRWeek Jobs, Guardian Jobs, CharityComms jobs boards

Information for international students

If you’re an international student exploring careers in communications in the UK:

• You may be eligible to apply for roles on a graduate route visa
• Some public sector roles (Civil Service) may have citizenship requirements
• Use our international students careers page for advice on visa options, job searching and employer sponsorship

Related career paths

Explore other creative or communication-driven paths:

• marketing
• writing and editing
• publishing and journalism