A journalism degree doesn’t limit a career; it expands it – take it from a recent journalism grad! For soon-to-be journalism graduates, life post- grad can feel both daunting and uncertain. However, a journalism background can work in your favour when exploring opportunities beyond the field, PR being one of them.
A background in journalism offers a strong foundation for a career in PR. While these fields differ, both are rooted in storytelling and shaping how information is shared and understood. For journalism graduates, there is opportunity beyond the newsroom, and a career in PR can offer the chance to apply your skills in a different setting.
Think like a journalist
Because of the natural overlap between journalism and PR, a journalist’s mindset can be a valuable asset when pitching – one you can use to your advantage! A strong pitch starts with understanding how a journalist thinks (something you know firsthand), what makes a story timely, relevant and newsworthy. That mindset helps outreach feel purposeful rather than promotional and is more likely to resonate with the people you’re trying to reach.
Embrace the pace
A PR professional operates in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, much like a journalist amid the hustle and bustle of a newsroom. Whether it’s coordinating outreach, meeting a tight deadline, managing a crisis, or making last-minute changes, learning how to adapt and thrive in a dynamic setting is an essential part of the role.
Stay informed, stay curious
Similar to journalism, working in PR means you’re constantly keeping a pulse on what’s happening in an evolving media landscape. It’s important to stay curious and informed about emerging trends, follow daily news and pay attention to how stories evolve. This awareness helps keep ideas timely and relevant, supporting a more strategic and effective approach in your work.
For emerging journalists and recent grads, PR can be an unanticipated, yet valuable opportunity to carry those journo skills forward and apply them in a new setting. So, from one new grad to another, congrats class of 2026!
Emily Milligan is an Intern at Brookline Public Relations. She is a recent graduate of UCalgary’s Communication and Media Studies program and, as part of a dual program, a graduate of SAIT’s Journalism program. A natural people person and curious by nature, Emily brings her background in journalism to her work in PR.
