Graduate Case Studies - Emma Heley - Celebrity Publicist - PHA Media
Name: Emma Heley
Degree: Journalism and Print Media at the University of East London
Job: Celebrity Publicist at PHA Media
What do you actually do?
I work in the celebrity department of a public relations firm in Soho managing press and publicity for our celebrity clients. We specialise in raising and maintaining the
profiles of our clients across newspapers, magazines, television, radio and new media. We also specialise in managing reputations. A number of high-profile individuals will approach us if they are experiencing negative publicity and we turn it into positive publicity.
Why did you decide to go into this sector?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a journalist. After I graduated my life course changed and I became involved in promotions, my interest in PR snowballed.
How did you find out about your particular course?
I never intended to go into PR, people don't realise how intrinsically linked PR is to
journalism so in a way, I am using my journalistic skills every day. Publicists are now helping to set the news agenda with the help of press releases and giving stories about their clients to the media.
Would you undertake further training to further your career?
Most definitely! I am currently studying shorthand to make my day to day life in PR a little easier. Interviewing people over the phone and transcribing conversations quickly is important.
What do you like most about what you do and are there any downsides?
I'm sure a lot of people say this but I really do love every aspect of my job. I love building special relationships with my clients and getting them high levels of exposure. The only downside is that you're never really off duty. We have to be contactable at evening and weekends.
What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to make a success of what you do?
To be a good celebrity publicist you need to understand the media and have a real passion for it. In addition, you need to have an interest in celebrities and excellent communication skills.
What advice would you give graduates wishing to come into this sector?
Read the papers, gain suitable work experience, work hard and think laterally. Competition is tough so you will need to shine.
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| ESCP Europe Business School | Founded in 1819 and now one of the world’s oldest business s... | more |
| nucleargraduates | The UK’s nuclear industry is facing its biggest challenge in... | more |
| Shell Step | Shell Step is a UK-wide programme offering undergraduates project ... | more |
| Millward Brown | Over the past three decades, Millward Brown has grown to be one of... | more |
| Tesco | Do you want a scheme which offers graduates a balance of practical... | more |
| Nestlé | Although probably best known for our huge Nescafé and Kit K... | more |
Graduate Case Studies
|
Emma Heley - Celebrity Publicist - PHA MediaI work in the celebrity department of a public relations firm in Soho managing press and publicity for our celebrity clients... ... more |
|
Cameron Hall - PR Account ExecutiveEssentially I help to generate a constant stream of positive press cover for my clients. Day-to-day activities include creating press releases, arranging interviews, writing articles and responding to news stories... ... more |
|
Samantha Hogg - CDT Brand Consultancy (Durham MA Marketing) oHaving completed a degree in History at Durham, I decided to pursue a career in Marketing. The Durham MA Marketing programme was just right for someone looking for a qualification in management without a detailed knowledge of business and economics. ... more |
|
Luka - ESCP Europe - Master in Marketing and Creativity, Class of 2011After I finished my Bachelor in Business Administration at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, I completed an internship at L’Oréal Germany, gaining some experience as a Trade Marketing and Key Account Manager in the division for luxury products. During this internship I realised that in the future I would like to work in the field of Marketing and Sales. Therefore, I decided to enhance my knowledge in the specific field of Marketing as a continuance to my undergraduate studies. ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
Your guide to who has jobs, who wants interns and who needs trainees.... more |
|
It is one of the most dynamic careers out there and even in these difficult... more |
|
Think Before You Click - The Negative Side of Facebook The next time you’re about to upload pictures of your birthday party/night... more |
|
Although these are difficult times for graduates there are some relatively... more |
Comments