Becoming a communications assistant: role, studies, salary and prospects

Writing an article, running social media, preparing an event, designing a prevention campaign: the communications assistant helps create and deliver an organisation’s messages. The job may seem far from psychology, but it relies on understanding audiences: how a person perceives a message, what interests them, what convinces or puts them off. This is particularly true in internal communication and health communication. This profile is part of our guide to careers in psychology.

What does a communications assistant do?

The communications assistant works in a communications department or an agency. They carry out the communication plan defined by the manager: they write content, manage publications, prepare materials, organise events and track results. They can work on external communication (customers, users, the general public) or internal communication (employees).

What are the duties of a communications assistant?

• Write content: articles, newsletters, press releases, social media posts.
• Prepare materials: brochures, posters, presentations, with graphic designers.
• Run social media and the website.
• Organise events: fairs, conferences, open days, internal seminars.
• Track the results of actions: audience, participation, feedback.

Skills and qualities of a communications assistant

The job requires excellent writing, creativity, organisation, good command of digital tools and social media, and the ability to work with many people.

What psychology brings

Social and cognitive psychology study attention, memory, attitudes, persuasion and perception biases. This knowledge helps write clear messages suited to their audiences. It is valuable in health communication (prevention campaigns, fighting the stigma of mental disorders), in internal communication (supporting change, quality of working life) and for communicating responsibly, without manipulation.

Studies and training to become a communications assistant

No specific diploma is required to work in this job. In practice, the position is open from a bachelor’s degree in communication or information, and increasingly at master’s level. A psychology background is an original profile, valued when complemented by a specialisation, internships or a portfolio of work (writing, social media, events).

Studying at ESPÉ

ESPÉ’s programmes prepare for this job: the Bachelor in Psychology provides foundations in social and cognitive psychology, and internships offer a first experience of business. For internal and HR communication, the MSc in Psychology and HR Management prepares for the challenges of communicating with employees.

Salary and working conditions of a communications assistant

The starting salary depends on the size of the company and the region; it is higher in the Paris region and in large groups. Job offers published on France Travail and Apec give up-to-date ranges. The pace can be intense ahead of events or campaign launches.

Career prospects for a communications assistant

A communications assistant can become a communications officer, internal communications manager or employer branding officer, or specialise in health communication and prevention.

Why become a communications assistant?

It is a creative and varied job. For someone trained in psychology, it is a way to put knowledge of human behaviour at the service of useful messages, especially in health, prevention and working life.