The June 2026 edition of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Monthly Meeting/PR Clinic featured a highly engaging Fireside Chat Session on the theme, “How to Build a Successful Public Relations Career.”

Held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the session brought together experienced communication professionals, emerging practitioners and students for an enriching conversation on career development, professional growth, mentorship, personal branding and excellence in public relations practice.

The session was moderated by Olayinka Z. Olaseni, Senior Executive, Client Service/Business Development at TPT International, while the distinguished panellists included Efe Obiomah, Founder of Brand Spark and Segun McMedal, President/Team Lead of Upticomm Marketing Company.

PR as a Journey of Purpose and Continuous Learning

Responding to questions on their entry into the profession, both panellists shared their unique career trajectories, demonstrating that while some practitioners deliberately choose public relations, others discover their passion through experience and exposure.

Segun McMedal recounted his transition from studying Sociology into agency practice, describing public relations as a profession he has grown to love deeply. He noted that PR professionals must embrace lifelong learning because they are often expected to serve as encyclopaedias of knowledge for clients and organisations.

According to him, public relations is a demanding profession that requires commitment, adaptability and a willingness to work beyond conventional hours.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

One of the recurring themes during the discussion was the importance of knowledge acquisition.

Efe Obiomah identified knowledge deficiency as one of the major challenges she encountered in the early stages of her career. She recalled making mistakes that affected her career progression, an experience that motivated her to take learning more seriously.

She advised young professionals to avoid limiting themselves and instead cultivate a habit of reading widely, learning continuously and seeking opportunities for professional development.

Both panellists agreed that a significant knowledge gap exists among many young practitioners and stressed that competence remains one of the strongest currencies in professional practice.

Patience, Intentionality and Career Planning

Addressing mistakes commonly made during the first five years of a PR career, Segun McMedal cautioned against impatience and overconfidence.

He observed that many young professionals are eager to achieve rapid success without investing adequate time in learning the fundamentals of the profession.

He encouraged participants to be patient, understand the industry terrain, develop clear career progression plans and actively participate in professional bodies such as the NIPR.
“There is a time and season for everything,” he noted, adding that career success is often built through consistent learning and deliberate growth.

Competence and Relationships as Career Accelerators*

The discussion highlighted competence and relationship-building as critical ingredients for career advancement.

According to Efe Obiomah, professional competence opens doors, while strong relationships create opportunities.
She noted that individuals are more likely to gain access to strategic opportunities when they possess the skills required to deliver value.

The panellists encouraged participants to intentionally build networks, cultivate professional relationships and develop advocates who can speak positively about their abilities in decision-making spaces.

Essential Skills for High Performance

Speaking on the skills required to excel in public relations, Segun McMedal identified effective writing, strategic thinking, communication capability and relationship management as indispensable competencies.

He stressed that PR practitioners must possess strong written and verbal communication skills while also understanding the strategic dimensions of business and stakeholder engagement.

At the heart of successful public relations practice, he noted, is competence, credibility and the ability to build and sustain long-term relationships.

Agency Practice or Client Side?

The panel also examined the perennial question of whether practitioners should pursue careers in agencies or in-house communication departments.

Efe Obiomah advised participants to first define their career vision and determine whether they prefer to specialise in a specific area or function as generalists.

Segun McMedal encouraged practitioners to build strong foundations early in their careers, seek mentors and leverage professional platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders.

According to him, mentorship can provide access to opportunities that may otherwise remain inaccessible.

Personal Branding and Professional Identity

The conversation further explored the role of personal branding in career success.

Segun McMedal emphasised the importance of professional appearance and intentional self-presentation, noting that dressing appropriately often creates positive first impressions.

He encouraged participants to identify role models, develop authentic personal brands and ensure that their personal image aligns with organisational culture.

Similarly, Efe Obiomah urged professionals to create a clear personal brand framework, define their niche within the profession, establish core values and maintain consistency in their professional conduct.

According to her, strong personal brands are built on purpose, values and sustained credibility.

Contributions from Participants

The interactive session also featured insightful contributions from attendees.

Dr. Michael Achigbogu encouraged young professionals to embrace continuous learning, understand their organisations deeply and leverage Artificial Intelligence tools to accelerate knowledge acquisition and competence development.

Jide Ologun stressed the importance of defining one’s destination, seeking mentorship and intentionally building strong professional relationships.

Nkechi Ali-Balogun reminded participants that while technology and workplace dynamics may evolve, timeless values such as etiquette, principles, character and professionalism remain essential. She encouraged practitioners to cultivate depth, intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn across generations.

Bolaji Abimbola highlighted the value of NIPR membership as a platform for continuous learning and networking. He encouraged participants to volunteer, gain cross-functional experience, develop broad competencies and embrace opportunities for growth and service.

Key Takeaway

The overarching message from the Fireside Chat was clear: successful public relations careers are built on competence, continuous learning, patience, mentorship, strong relationships, personal branding and deliberate career management.

The panellists unanimously agreed that while organisations and mentors can provide support, individuals must ultimately take responsibility for their own professional development.

As the session concluded, participants left with practical insights and renewed inspiration to pursue excellence, build meaningful careers and contribute positively to the advancement of the public relations profession.