ILKLEY-based Approach PR teamed up with the Go Graduate Opportunities Programme (GO) to host a day aimed at helping university graduates kick start careers in PR and communications.

Managed by Approach PR’s senior account manager Katy Barraclough and account executive Anisha Mistry, the event gave the graduates practical advice on how to climb the PR career ladder, how to impress at interviews and how to compile a good portfolio.

“While Katy and I both work in the same team at Approach, we have arrived at our current positions via quite different routes,” said Ms Mistry.

“We wanted to share our relevant experiences with the graduates to illustrate how a career in PR is possible with a variety of backgrounds.”

Adeeba Zahoor, who graduated from the University of Bradford with a degree in English and an MSc in Management and took part in the event, said: “It was great to get an inside look at a busy PR agency – one which is highly-respected in the region.

“As a graduate, the GO programme has been invaluable in giving me, and many other recent graduates, useful tools and advice to help us secure jobs in industries like PR. My time at Approach PR was hugely beneficial and gave me many ideas to help make a career in PR a reality.”

The Go Graduates Opportunities Programme is a DWP-funded programme which supports students and recent graduates in their job hunt. Employment project leader, Nyree Cluderay, is hoping to build on the programme’s successes in 2014 which saw more than 70 per cent of those taking part find a job.

She said: “As the Bradford co-ordinator of the GO project, I am continually striving to find exciting opportunities for employers and graduates to work together in a way that is both beneficial to the graduate and business. The graduates have such a positive outlook and lots of skills they can offer a business through work shadowing.

“The experience with Approach PR has proved very valuable for two graduates hoping to pursue a career in public relations and communications roles.

“I would like to thank E3 for initiating this event and putting us in contact with Approach PR.”