Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
• Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep employees informed of company activities.
• Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
• Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
• Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.
• Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement communication strategies and information programmes.
• Draft speeches for company executives and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.
• Evaluate advertising and promotion programmes for compatibility with public relations efforts.
• Facilitate consumer relations or the relationship between parts of the company, such as the managers and employees, or different branch offices.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

There are many pathways to a career in Corporate Affairs and Communications Management. There are elements of communication, public relations, and marketing in this role.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, digital media, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, journalism, digital media and public relations, social media and public relations, marketing, journalism, digital communications, business management, business with digital marketing, digital marketing, social media and public relations.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Financial Services, Sales, Lean Sigma Manager, Recruitment Executive.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, finance, public relations, digital marketing, public relations, event management with public relations, media, public relations.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, management, financial advice, public relations with new media, journalism, public relations, strategic communications.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

IBEC Training Academy ongoing professional CPD & networks.

IFS International Financial Services Skillnet ongoing professional CPD & networks.

The 30% club promoting diversity in business at all levels.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Brightwater / CPL / Morgan McKInley/ Clark/ Abrivia/ Azon

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Librarians Archivists; curators; Journalists; newspaper and periodical editors; Public relations professionals; Advertising account managers; and creative directors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians. 

The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.

• FSU Financial Services Union (former IBOA)

  • Stephen Street Upper, Dublin 8, D08 DR9P
  • (0)1 4755908
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Ireland

  • CIPD, A3 The Locks, Charlotte Quay Dock, Dublin 4
  • (01) 678 0090
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here