So, are great PR people born or are they made? At Diffusion we think it’s definitely a bit of both. The PR industry is home to a diverse mix of personalities rather than an overriding stereotype and as an agency we don’t believe in creating a team of clones who all dress, talk and think the same. The ability to apply multiple skill sets, view points and intellectual approaches to solving our clients communication challenges, is just one of the things which sets us apart. That said, there are critical traits which we believe all great PR people possess and which you will need to demonstrate to gain a place on our 2010 diffusionGRADS programme.

First and foremost among these is a love of communication and media in all its forms. Writing should be one of your passions and you’ll be a junkie for current affairs from the Credit Crunch to Cameron to Celebrity Big Brother. You will also have a clear understanding of the PR process and be excited by how it shapes our lives today.

Secondly, PR is an industry where people buy people and where success comes only from working as a team. Great PR practitioners need to be likeable and outgoing, engaging and credible and ooze common sense and creativity. They also need to be persistent – natural problem solvers who don’t give up at the first hurdle.

At Diffusion we believe that the creation and execution of award-winning PR campaigns requires real academic rigor. So successful candidates will need an actual or predicted First or 2:1 degree from a leading University, a minimum of 24 UCAS points and grade A GCSE English. Also, in looking to join an agency which is leading innovation in digital communication, an enthusiastic and natural affinity to all things online is essential.

So, what about great PR people being made? Well, potential needs be nurtured, raw talent honed and careers allowed to grow in the best possible environment. This is why our graduate scheme has been designed to help produce the PR leaders of tomorrow through an intensive 18-month programme of training and development.

Unlike some schemes this means you won’t spend the majority of your time on account admin. Instead you will be equipped with key media relations, social media, planning and production skills so you can rapidly begin to get results and make a satisfying contribution to the success of client campaigns.

As well as internal training from some of the leading PR practitioners in the UK, we also invest in external training, equipping you with the skills that are essential for pioneering PR today. All graduates will have the opportunity to work across our four core industry practice areas of Consumer, Digital, Media & Marketing Services and Mobile gaining broad base experience working on both B2C and B2B campaigns.

As an agency our policy is to grow and promote talent from within, so with our PR graduate scheme we are really looking for potential Campaign Managers and Directors. As PR Week’s New Consultancy of the Year 2009, Diffusion is setting the agenda on integrated communication and attracting many of the most interesting PR briefs in the industry from global superbrands and ambitious start-ups.  As a result we can offer a real opportunity to give the brightest and the best the ability to rapidly progress up the career ladder and build on our starting salary of £20,000.  As well as financial rewards we also offer a market leading mix of benefits including flexible working hours, medical insurance, 25 days holiday and free broadband access. Find out more here. At Diffusion we’d describe our culture as supportive and open and we thrive on creative ideas, humour and entrepreneurial spirit.

Stage 1: To apply for a place on the diffusionGRADS scheme, please complete our application form which you can download here. Please email your completed form to GradScheme@diffusionpr.com. Deadline: 8 February 2010

Stage 2: A graduate assessment day will be held for shortlisted candidates on Saturday 27th February 2010, at Diffusion’s offices in central London, following which final offers will be made. Good luck and we look forward to reading your application!

Deadline for applications:  Monday 8 February 2010. All applicants must already hold necessary permits and visas to work in the UK.

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