Innovative learning design, a supportive community, and content from industry leading practitioners has provided Socially Mobile students with networks and strategic skills to step up.

We've opened paid and funded applications for the second Socially Mobile cohort, the leadership communication programme that aims to increase diversity in public relations. It's a ten-week executive education course aimed at helping PR practitioners increase their earning potential by developing as managers and practitioners.

The programme is delivered via an online teaching platform and Guild community. It is assessed and certificated independently. Each week, students are required to submit an assignment reflecting on what they’ve learnt, and how they’ll apply it to professional practice.

Socially Mobile has been developed by Sarah Waddington and I along with a community of more than 50 teachers, assessors, and examiners. If you know anyone who might benefit, please encourage them to apply. The deadline is 31 March.

I caught up with some of the students that are coming to the end of the first cohort to find out about the experience and how they’ve got on.

Karl Connor

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

The live simulation hosted by Kate Hartley and her team at Polpeo. It was fantastic to work with other talented communications professionals.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

The success I’ve had in passing each module has been such a massive confidence boost. The course has given me a real focus and helped me remind myself that I am capable and do have skills. I don’t want to overstate anything, but Socially Mobile has kept me afloat during a difficult time over the last couple of weeks when my mental health could really have gone under.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

Anyone who wants to develop their skills and build a more positive career. I very nearly didn’t apply for it because I’m white, straight and was conscious that huge numbers of people from several groups are more disadvantaged than I am. I’m so glad that I did apply.

Amy Maxwell

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

Feeling part of a meaningful network within the profession, learning from both my peers on the course and those providing the masterclass content. I have found the practical nature of the lectures instantly applicable and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with peers during a crisis simulation.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

It's increasing my confidence, enhancing my knowledge and has opened up a wealth of contacts and resources.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

Anyone committed to furthering their career in public relations, especially when facing barriers to their progression.

Leanne Hughes

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

The calibre of the speakers and level of content. Hard to pick a favourite week but learning from the strategy and measurement sessions with Anne Gregory and Richard Bagnall was useful to my work.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

It’s given me the push I needed to apply for a promoted post and has given me a huge boost of confidence. It’s connected me to awesome people.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

People looking to consolidate their professional practice across all the pertinent areas of communications. Individuals who need a bit of a confidence boost to make their next career move. The course will focus the mind and help work out what they want next professionally. They will need to commit and be up for a challenge.

Kelly Cuesta

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

Intense, fun and eye opening. For someone who doesn't have a strong background in communications, it was a great way to brush up the basics on communications and dig into best practices from thought leaders in the industry.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

To see other points of view to refine my approach to communications and reframe my mindset.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

People from marginalised groups who don’t have a strong background in communications or want to update their knowledge in the field.

Luisa Robertson

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

Hard to pinpoint one thing. The crisis simulation session was fabulous - partly because we got to work collaboratively as well as Kate Hartley's exceptional content.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

I feel it's embedded and refreshed my skills, but also given me confidence too. I think the leverage it will provide will be invaluable.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

I think anyone would benefit, but for me, specifically women returners and others facing the challenges associated with any bias at all. The content has been amazing, and I don't think there's a communications professional that wouldn't gain from this course.

Su Button

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

There have been many highlights, from Graham Goodkind’s creative presentation sharing Weetabix’s award-winning campaign, to Kristian Foged’s passion for the PR tech stack. I was fascinated by ethics in artificial intelligence and automation and further researched CIPR’s report #AIinPR. This has been a huge learning curve for me, and I am fully embracing my enhanced knowledge, skill set and up to date industry best practice.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

As a women returner, the Socially Mobile programme has greatly boosted my confidence and I am proactively networking with leading public relations practitioners. I am passionate about sharing how this programme benefits underrepresented groups - equipping future leaders with the most up to date ethical skills and knowledge, taught by highly regarded industry leading professionals.

I am optimistic that by completing the Socially Mobile programme, it will give me the opportunity to propel my career and secure a senior level, strategic role.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

I can wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who wants to drive their career to next level. Kudos to Sarah and Stephen Waddington for having the conviction to drive Socially Mobile forward and for securing an exceptional line up of award-winning lecturers.  I am proud to be part of the first cohort of this prodigious programme. Thank you.

Jenny Manchester

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

Using the amazing session on leadership branding with Sarah Waddington and Lou Watson to give me the confidence to immediately reply to a long-standing email asking me for a blog post and a photo.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

More confidence in the value of both my skills and the experience to my team and my organisation.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

Anyone that has faced the kind of invisible barriers which you know are there and have stopped you realising your potential.

Lewis Williams

What's your highlight of the Socially Mobile programme?

Meeting practitioners from a range of backgrounds, taking part in live masterclasses and sessions to share learning and opinions. Having access to exclusive, in-depth content from top-level thought leaders within public relations and communications.

It's early days but what difference has it made to your work and future career?

Socially Mobile has already provided a well-needed confidence boost. The content really encourages you to think outside the box and consider the role and value practitioners have at a strategic level across an organisation. The course so far has played into areas I consider strengths but has also put the spotlight on some self-confessed grey areas. Each week I feel I am gaining a new perspective that will help me succeed at work and progress in my career.

Who would you recommend applies for the programme?

Anyone from underrepresented groups with a few years’ experience who wants to break through the glass ceiling. The programme is a unique opportunity to boost skills and knowledge, and position yourself to be able to progress through to a senior or management position in the future.