Embarking on a career in internal communication is both enriching and gratifying, with organisations progressively recognising the significant contribution this vital profession makes.
The IoIC is on a mission to raise awareness of internal communication as a career of choice and shift the narrative from 'I fell into IC' to 'I chose IC'.
Through the #IChoseIC campaign we hope to attract current and future talent to the internal communication profession and create a profession which is sustainable and fit for the future.
Our #IChose IC ambassdaors actively engage with schools, colleges, universities and careers services to inspire young people and those making career decisions to consider pursuing a career in internal communications.
Hear from professionals about their career journeys and what it's like to work in the world of internal communication.
Here are a few highlights from a variety of our recent activities.
Ambassador Melanie Hinds spoke to students at Chester University as part of their English at Work Module, introducing them to internal communication and helping them to discover IC career pathways.
Melanie says:
"The students, of which were around 6 I think, were at the end of careers focused sessions, so it was great to engage with them on how internal communications comes in various shapes and sizes and how what they may be doing now can help to support it, e.g. digital marking, social media, videography, writing content, understanding audiences etc – making those connections helped them to not just understand the profession but also helped them to think practically about skills development and transferring skills.
I talked them through the history, importance and relevance of internal communications, the many lenses it uses when tailoring messages for varies audiences, the different channels used and the importance of measurement.
We also talked about getting work experience and the power of building a LinkedIn profile, and using LinkedIn to make connections and get yourself seen and heard.
A great group, and passionate teachers who were also interested in what I had to share.
They were also very keen on hearing real life work challenges and what my organisation is involved with.
I would highly recommend IoIC members of any level speaking to students. This group have very little knowledge of navigating working life and we can give them various insights, tips and ideas. It is also hugely rewarding to share experiences and feel that you are helping others."
Melanie Hinds, Global Head of Internal Communications & People Engagement and #IChoseIC Ambassador
Jennifer and Laura delivered a skills seminar for students at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Jen introduced students to the internal communication profession, explored the key knowledge, skills and behaviours required of an IC practitioner, and shared insights into the exciting opportunities within the profession,
Laura then talked to them about her journey into the internal communication profession, her experiences in IC roles; and how rewarding internal comms can be as a career.
"It was a pleasure to spend two hours with students at LSE alongside the wonderful Laura who so kindly shared her career journey. Sharing our mutual passion for internal communication and the fantastic career you can have in the profession is such a rewarding experience. The students were highly engaged and asked lots of interesting questions from the type of roles, what they could get involved in and the opportunities to enter the profession. Continuing our #IChooseIC agenda is so important to the future of this amazing profession."
Jennifer Sproul, CEO, IoIC
"As a proud #IChoseIC Ambassador, I was thrilled to share my career journey with LSE's students. Explaining the ins and outs of my job and why it's important for organisations was a total highlight. And seeing the students so engaged made me even more proud. Big thanks to the IoIC for the opportunity, and a shout-out to the fabulous Jennifer Sproul for being an amazing co-host!"
Laura Colantuono, IoIC Board Dirctor and#IChoseIC Ambassador
As part of our #IChoseIC Campaign Ambassador Stacy Gibbs spoke to students at Strathclyde University about her IC career journey and the reality of the role day to day.
The session was part of a Careers in PR & Communications event which aimed to help students and graduates explore new career ideas and hear from industry professionals about their real-life experiences of a role.
Essential Guides for aspiring internal communication professionals and hiring managers
Are you considering a role in internal communication? If you're considering joining the profession and want to find out more about the roles and routes into the profession download our IC career guide developed by our the network for IC newcomers to help with tips on how to get started.
The IC Hiring Guide has been produced in partnership with VMAGROUP and is designed to guide anyone with responsibility for hiring for an internal communication role through the process. The guide uses the IoIC profession map framework as an underpinning model as we seek to improve the standardisation of skills and build a future pipeline of great talent.
Thank you to the following institutions which have already engaged with the #IChoseIC campaign and supported us to raise awareness of the internal communcation profession
