Public affairs consultant : Training

Training is largely on the job, learning from more experienced colleagues, supplemented by short, external courses covering topics such as public affairs management, parliamentary procedure and policy making. Organisations offering these types of courses include Parli-training , Inside Lobbying  and Westminster Explained . 

Graduate programmes run by larger consultancies follow a similar approach to training, but may additionally provide a more formal induction, offer exposure to wider aspects of public relations (PR) and communications, and include some in-house courses. Some consultancies arrange work experience placements in outside organisations for their trainees. Graduates are often expected to carry out research for more experienced colleagues, which provides the opportunity to develop skills and find out more about the different areas of work available.

A number of employers encourage their consultants to obtain the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)  Diploma in Public Relations. This is because public affairs work is increasingly interconnected with more general aspects of PR, such as corporate communications and media work.