‘I swapped the classroom for public relations’
This former teaching assistant has only worked in PR for 18 months but there’s no looking back for him…
Name: Max Haley
Job title and company: Senior account executive, Altitude PR
Location: Sheffield
Time in PR: Two years
What does your current role involve?
The list of activities in my role is everchanging and expanding – such is the fast-moving world of public relations. Nevertheless, what I do most includes, firstly, writing and distributing press releases and features for clients in various sectors locally, regionally and nationally, helping them to tell their stories.
Secondly, I plan and curate social media content while managing social accounts for my clients. I am also involved in creating PR strategies, networking and researching too.
What do you love most about working in public relations?
I enjoy so much about my job: seeing content I’ve created in national publications and broadcast media, working with clients in various sectors across the country and working in a fun, creative and experienced team with great people.
Overall, though, my favourite thing about working in public relations is meeting new people from all walks of life. Whether I get to tell their story, or meet during networking, they enhance my understanding of the world.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Altitude winning New PR Consultancy of the Year at the CIPR Excellence Awards in 2023 was great. Seeing the work of the team I’d just joined recognised at such a prestigious event was pretty inspiring.
However, my highlight would have to be working on a local regeneration project and seeing it come to fruition. I now regularly visit the regenerated area and consider it one of the highlights of the city and region.
How long have you been a member and what made you join?
I joined the CIPR’s CPD programme about 18 months ago and the key reason I joined was because I was told – in no uncertain terms – how valuable it was by my colleagues, both for its reputation and the CPD itself.
So far I’ve learnt a great deal about professional standards, writing practises and wider ethical standards and issues in the world of PR.
How does the CIPR support your career?
The CPD programme is really insightful and allows me to tailor my training and development. Meanwhile, the CIPR’s sole status as the only Royal Chartered body for PR professionals means it holds real gravitas and to be a member – and eventually an accredited one – has, and will, greatly enhance my professional profile. I’m privileged to be a part of it.
Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
I switched careers two years ago, having previously worked as a teaching assistant in a secondary school, so the best pieces of advice I have received in my PR career so far are the smaller things that those who began their careers in PR picked up naturally, such as email management and professional etiquette.
Find out more about joining the CIPR
Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.