This event, complements Burson Africa's Starting Blocks internship programme that has trained over 280 up-and-coming PR professionals in 27 countries in Africa, underscoring Burson's commitment to nurturing the next generation of PR professionals, says the agency.

The workshop, attended by close to 70 participants, including an entire graduating class from a leading Academic Institution, featured sessions on personal branding and how to best showcase strengths. In addition, top Marketing and Communications Recruiter Joanne Barret led a session on decoding the PR job market, says Burson. 

According to the agency, participants also learnt how to navigate tough interview questions and confidently engaged in mock interviews, receiving feedback from industry experts including Karl Haechler, Burson Africa Co-CEO and Lerato Songelwa, Managing Director of Burson South Africa.

"At Burson Africa, we believe in the power of mentorship and providing a strong foundation for the next generation of PR professionals on the continent," says Haechler.

"By equipping these aspiring individuals with essential skills and knowledge, we are not just filling a talent pipeline — we are shaping the future of the industry and fostering a dynamic and inclusive PR landscape for years to come," adds Haechler. 

The event emphasised the importance of mentorship and provided a realistic yet optimistic view of the PR landscape. Attendees from diverse fields found immense value in the insights shared. The workshop fostered an engaging learning environment with a dedicated Q&A session, allowing participants to directly connect with industry leaders and receive personalised advice, says the agency. 

Lewis Rantho, a law student, says, "As a law student, I gained a lot from the insights on personal and strategic branding from Burson Africa. A carefully and intentionally managed reputation is just as important for lawyers in their professional capacity and the organisations they represent." 

Vetiwe Mamba, a PR graduate, says, "It was such an honour to learn from the awesome Burson team. Feeling really inspired about the future and what lies ahead, thank you for offering us the opportunity."

Zamantuli Ntuli, Lecturer at Rosebank College in Durban, concludes, "This workshop has been immensely valuable for my students. Their notebooks are brimming with ideas and insights gained throughout. I extend our heartfelt thanks to Burson for delivering such an impactful session."

For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com. You can also follow Burson on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of Facebook