Career Success Stories: Remote Work Experience in PR and Communications

Shaping Futures with Wilful

The PR and communications industry amplifies experiences and impact, which is something we also prioritise at Futures For All. From showcasing the meaningful opportunities our young people undertake, to the career insights our speakers and employers share, we celebrate success stories that empower young people about the future. 

In 2025, Futures For All partnered with sustainable communications agency Wilful to provide remote work experience for young people, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the industry – and a first step towards an exciting career.  

“Working in PR and communications is completely varied from one day to the next… Communications is all about managing the perception of a company or an issue… so you have the opportunity to make a huge impact and get stuck into areas that you feel truly passionate about, or learn about something you never knew existed. Good communications, especially in the areas of purpose, impact, and environment, is… about clarity, credibility, and telling the truth well.”

Wilful

Bringing Ideas to Life 

Over 6 weeks young people across the UK joined online sessions to discover what it’s really like to work in communications and PR while developing essential skills for future careers. 

Once a week after-school, students met with professionals to discuss the different jobs in the industry, to learn how to build meaningful marketing campaigns, and to gain insight into PR’s role in environmental change. Working collaboratively in groups, participants designed and presented PR and social media campaigns that encouraged positive climate action through storytelling and key messaging.

The project-based format meant young people could develop creativity and original thinking as well as teamwork and communication skills – all from home. Attendees also expanded their understanding of green jobs, creative careers, and tech roles, including how industries can intersect, and how careers can align with personal passions.

Student Feedback

Students rated their virtual work experience as 4.5 out of 5 stars, and 93% said they felt more confident about achieving their future career ambitions after completing the placement.

“The best thing about the placement is that we get to learn and do the work at the same time. Individual and group projects were given which help us to communicate and learn from other, as well as using the skills we acknowledged by ourselves on the project.”

Student

“I enjoyed listening to other employers within Wilful as it has helped me understand the different types of roles within [PR and communications]. I also enjoyed creating a PowerPoint and presenting it as it has helped me with my confidence, leadership and teamwork online which is a really important skill to have.”

Student

Industry Advice for Young People 

Being curious and informed about the media landscape can build a strong foundation for a successful career in PR and communications.

“Listen, read, watch, absorb. The more media sources you engage with and more attuned you are with current trends and relevant news, the better you will be at the job. Read or consume media forms that you wouldn’t normally consume to understand how other people are absorbing information, but don’t forget how valuable your own media consumption is… you can bring that insight (and what you consume on that platform) to working in the PR industry. If you’re interested in sustainability, climate, or social impact, seek out opportunities with agencies working in these spaces, whether that’s green PR, environmental PR, or communications focused on long-term change.”

Wilful

Learn more about Wilful here. 

Shaping Futures Through Work Experience 

While our employer partners may be seeking future talent for their sector, they also support young people to discover their passions and interests, and to gain transferable skills that can open doors across industries.

“Work experience sets a candidate miles apart from the rest. It is instantly recognisable that they have an understanding about how the working world works, and it will prove to be a massive advantage. Even if the work experience isn’t in the sector you want to eventually be employed in, building an understanding of a different world of your own – listening, learning, and being curious – will prove invaluable in your future and how you grow as a person.”

Wilful

Employer Outcomes 

From showcasing exciting possibilities in their field to creating meaningful early engagement with the next generation, work experience benefits employers as well as young people. We’re proud to work with companies who recognise its value – and who understand the power of remote delivery for reaching a broader, more diverse pool of future talent, including young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

“[Work Experience] is a great opportunity to allow students to get a deep understanding of your industry and to learn how they see your industry, through fresh eyes. As a B Corp PR agency and purpose driven PR agency, we also see work experience as part of our responsibility to support the next generation of communicators, but we also get to see so much more of the individual. In many cases, we have hired stand-out work experience candidates at the end of their placement or returned to hire them later, particularly those who show curiosity about sustainability, climate, and the role communications plays in driving positive change.”

Wilful

Discover Work Experience for Yourself 

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started. 

Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors. 

* Image source: https://thewilful.com/