Launch of Bursary Providing Pathways to Work in Public Relations
The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), The Open Doors Initiative (ODI) and award-winning PR agency, Harris PR today announced that applications are now open for a public relations bursary to join the PRII Diploma in Public Relations and a paid role in Harris PR. Devised to contribute to a more diverse, stronger, stable future for PR and communications, The Harris PR Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Bursary is developed in partnership with The Open Door Initiative and the Public Relations Insitute of Ireland (PRII) and is now in its second year (and the fourth year of the Diploma Scholarship). The aim of the initiative is to create a pathway for people from under-represented groups in society to train in public relations and communications.
The Bursary
The bursary includes a place on the Public Relations Institute of Ireland’s (PRII) Diploma in Public Relations with fees covered and a nine-month fully-paid internship with Harris PR, including equipment, mentorship, and professional development planning throughout. ODI will support the recruitment of the successful candidate.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone from any background who would embrace this opportunity and truly benefit from investment in their future. Ideally they’ll be curious, creative and thrive in a busy, varied work environment, where they’ll receive a guided, hands-on approach to a varied workload across multiple campaigns and clients.
Chief Executive of the PRII, Dr. Martina Bryne, comments: “By partnering with Harris PR and ODI, we hope to reach people from more diverse backgrounds to consider a career in public relations. We know from PRII research on the sector that it’s not reflective of the diversity in our population. And we need to be, communications needs to attract the best creative minds who have all kinds of lived experiences. That’s how you solve problems. With this bursary the successful candidate will be supported through continued education, upskilling, and practical on the job learning, ensuring that they are set up for success for a fruitful and rewarding career in the PR industry.”
Commenting on the announcement, Sonia Harris Pope, Founder and Managing Director of Harris PR, says: “Not everyone has a straightforward path to a career in PR – that’s certainly my own experience and that of many of my peers and colleagues. Public relations is an industry that really benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences and at Harris PR, we’re keen to invest in the next generation of talent. We already have a proven commitment to supporting those new to the profession and encouraging others to consider it and we encourage our peers in the industry to consider how they too can take an inclusive approach to nurturing new talent. 2024 saw our first successful candidate, Carolina Lucca, join us on her internship and quickly became part of our team, drawing on her own personal life and career experience to immerse herself in the world of PR. For the second year of the Bursary, we’re hoping to connect with people who have not previously considered a role in PR, but who would thrive in our supportive, positive environment.”
Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of Open Doors Initiative, adds, “The Open Doors Initiative are delighted to once again work with the PRII and Harris PR to offer this opportunity to our participants. This opens a pathway to a new area of work in an engaging way to those who might not have considered PR possible as a career option. The success to date is a testimony to the fact that when the right supports are put in place, possibilities emerge and make the work in this area better for all.”
Reflecting on her experience to date, Carolina Lucca, Account Executive at Harris PR and 2024-2025 Bursary candidate, says:
“Receiving the bursary last year was an incredible opportunity that I’m very grateful for. It allowed me to gain hands on experience from an amazing and supportive team while applying everything I was learning through the course. It’s been an invaluable experience, and I would encourage anyone considering applying to go for it – it’s a great opportunity to kickstart your career as well as getting a real insight into the world of PR.”
How do I qualify and apply for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Bursary?
Candidates must be aged over 18 and have passed a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving/Senior Certificate (or equivalent) or hold a qualification at Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications. These requirements can be waived if the candidate has two years or more professional experience in a public relations or communications role.
Proficiency in English (written and verbal) is a requirement and shortlisted applicants may be asked to undertake a writing task at interview.
Interested applicants should provide the following, by email, to info@opendoorsinitiative.ie
- Career resume/CV
- One-page letter explaining your suitability and motivation for taking the course
- One-minute video highlighting your experience and motivation for applying for the bursary.
The application will be assessed by the PRII, Harris PR and the Open Doors Initiative and, if shortlisted, an interview scheduled.
The Open Doors Initiative is an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from people from under-represented groups in society, including but not exclusive to, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, people with disabilities, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, people with a criminal history, members of the Travelling Community, and anyone facing additional barriers to employment.
Closing date for applications is Monday, 7th July 2025.