Careers in public engagement

There are many different careers available to those with public engagement experience and excellent communication skills. A list of some of the potential careers in related fields are shown below:

• Teaching in primary and secondary schools – requires excellent communication skills. Knowledge of school lessons and the Curriculum for Excellence is an advantage
• Project and event management in academia, public sector or industry
• Policy creation and engaging with government and non-government organisations
• Journalism, writing lay persons abstracts or press releases for charities and research centres
• Communication positions in Science and Discovery Centres – hands–on, delivery and planning of projects
• Administration roles in academia – alumni development, student admissions, recruitment and careers, outreach and community learning positions
• Self-employment as a professional science communicator

Resources

A list of regional and national resources that you might find useful when considering a career in these fields.

• Browse posts or sign up for regular updates from the excellent PSCI-COM mailing list run by JISC
• Follow Beltane PE Network on Twitter
• Search and sign up for updates at jobs.ac.uk. We suggest you choose ‘Managerial and Professional’ jobs in the 'Type of Role' section.

Professional Development for Public Engagement Professionals (PEP Network)

In 2018 the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement launched a new network for public engagement professionals (PEPs) across the UK. This national network aims to mobilise the collective experience and skills of PEPs and support their career development. It provides access to the latest thinking and expertise about engagement policy and practice, offering opportunities for CPD and training. The PEP network also supports members to share solutions and problems, and establish peer support.

For more information on the Public Engagement Professional network visit the NCCPE website.

ScotPEN

ScotPEN is an inclusive network of people involved in public engagement in Scotland. The network provides peer support, collaborative opportunities and a voice to shape and share good engagement practice.

You can find our more on the ScotPEN website or on the very active ScotPEN Facebook group.