Sam Brown

Public Relations MA

Sam didn’t follow a straight path into PR. After five years working in Education, he found himself ready for something new, but unsure where to start. The MA Public Relations course at Birmingham City University offered the mix of structure and real-world experience he was looking for. Fast forward a few years, and he is now a Senior PR Manager at one of the top PR agencies outside London, WPR.

“Like many others, I came to postgraduate study a little later in life, looking for a fresh start and a career change. After five years working in Education, I realised I wanted something different, I just wasn’t sure what. I knew I was drawn to PR but had no idea how to break into the field or even what a typical PR job really looked like. That’s where the MA in Public Relations at BCU came in.

The course offered exactly what I needed to break into the field. It had a solid mix of theory and hands-on experience, with built-in opportunities to meet industry professionals and build real-world knowledge. For me, it was a no-brainer.

My time at BCU was genuinely some of the best I’ve had, even though an MA flies by way too quickly! One of the things I loved most was the mix of people it brought together. Everyone came from different walks of life, at different stages in their journey, and that made for such a rich and inspiring learning environment. I made incredible friends, both fellow students and lecturers, and found a sense of community I didn’t expect but will always cherish.

Fast forward to now, I’m a Senior PR Manager at WPR Agency, which, excitingly, was recently voted the best PR agency outside London by PRWeek! There, I manage a portfolio of clients across different industries, working with major brands like Volvo, Fujifilm, Beaverbrooks and West Midlands Safari Park. My job is to make sure their stories show up in the right places where their consumers will find them, whether that’s TV, radio, print, podcasts, or even TikTok.

My journey to WPR started not long after I graduated. I applied for a short work experience placement with the agency during my course, which turned into a job offer after just two weeks. From Junior Account Executive to Senior Manager on the consumer PR team, it’s been a whirlwind, but one I’ve absolutely loved. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it truly doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy what you do. There’s something surreal, in the best way, about seeing a story you helped craft make national headlines. It’s a little like being famous without the actual fame!

The MA gave me the perfect foundation; From the history of PR to the ethics and expectations of the modern-day industry, it helped me understand not just the “how” but the “why”, and that’s what’s helped me grow with confidence in such a fast-moving field -and trust me, fast-paced is an understatement when it comes to PR! No two days are the same. Just last week, I found myself coordinating a This Morning appearance for care home residents, supporting the launch of a hospital-turned-apartment-complex, and attending the opening of a new safari lodge. One day I’m writing press releases, the next I’m briefing spokespeople, pitching to journalists, or on set at a shoot.

It keeps you on your toes, and while it’s great fun, the job definitely comes with its pressures. Tight deadlines, sudden curveballs, high expectations… you need to be calm, quick-thinking, and yes, being a fast typist really helps too!

Looking back now, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come since making that leap into a completely new field. Changing careers was scary, especially taking a financial step back at first, but I can confidently say it’s been worth every moment. I’ve seen my work featured in major media, supported meaningful campaigns, and even met a few celebs along the way. Most importantly, I’ve built a career I genuinely enjoy.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to keep growing. Becoming a PR Director is the goal, and I’d love to work with even bigger household brands like Cadbury or Marmite!

For anyone thinking about studying the MA Public Relations course at BCU – DO IT! It’s an incredible course, taught by lecturers who are not only knowledgeable but also respected and active within the PR world. And to those just starting in comms, get as much work experience as you can. It helps you stand out in the job market, but more importantly, it shows you what you actually enjoy. PR is a vast field and trying different things early on can help you carve out your niche.

To me, “I AM BCU” means being part of a community that stays with you long after graduation. As a born-and-bred Brummie, I’m proud to have studied at BCU and to see how the university continues to grow and thrive.”