What is a ‘traditional route’ into internal comms anyway? A degree in English language then a masters in comms or perhaps a degree in comms then junior level role at a mid-sized company?
In truth, there are countless routes into the IC field. Personally, I was one of those teenagers who was a little too influenced by what I thought was expected of me and a little too low in self-confidence. I refused the option of being the first in my family to go to university in favour of taking a Business Studies OND then Marketing HND at a local college. Bear in mind that this was back in the ‘80s when uni wasn’t quite as common a route as it is now. To be honest, at 18 I also felt that it was important that I entered the world of work asap and started earning so that I could up my social game and start taking holidays with my girlfriends.
Looking back, was that foolish though? Well, my reasoning and perhaps some of my choices on those holidays left room for improvement, but side-stepping uni? No not really. I’ll explain.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m a firm believer that a degree can be the right path for many, bringing with it enormous personal growth and important life lessons. But I think most people now accept that it isn’t the right path for all and thankfully more alternatives are available now than ever before.
My first job saw me providing marketing support at a small local security lighting firm. Not much glamour, but that little role in a small office above an industrial unit had a huge impact on my path. It wasn’t the office so much as a fantastic manager who trusted me with the keys to a company car and sent me around the country to events where I met and talked with stakeholders. She also spotted my love for writing and encouraged me to build those skills by redrafting product literature and a website. I was hooked – thank you Janet.
This role took me into copywriting next, then I discovered a natural affinity for plain English while working in financial services, then plain English editing and training. I noticed that my passion for clear communication could really engage and influence others… and here’s where I really began to see the power of clear, effective storytelling in both external and internal contexts.
I realised that storytelling is not just about grabbing attention; it's about creating connections, empathy, and action.
Several of my more recent roles have combined internal and external, corporate and investor comms. These broad comms roles are common, rewarding and achievable when you have clear objectives and resourcing. However, the difference I find with the IC element when I’ve delivered it within a broad role, and purely focused on IC, is the very immediate and tangible way you can get feedback. Staying connected with your colleagues and having licence to ask lots of questions about different areas of the business from their perspective means that in IC we are truly plugged into the heartbeat of the company and that is something very special.
So, whatever your path into IC, or whether you combine it as part of a broader comms role, helping your colleagues to make a difference by keeping them connected, informed and engaged is a journey worth taking. Whether you’re coming straight from uni, or college or in a different role already, this is an endlessly fascinating place to work.
I cannot regret my choice or know how my path would have been different had I had the courage to take the degree option. After all, in the words of Dr Ellen Langer ‘regret is mindless because you are presuming that the choice you didn’t take would have been better… though you have no way of knowing that’.
However, like most of us, I still have the odd flutter of imposter syndrome and have looked around me at colleagues who all seem to be graduates. Then, when I recall the exciting and ultimately rewarding route I’ve taken to a place where I feel confident to lead teams who deliver measurable, outstanding corporate and internal comms performance for leaders who trust us, I’m imposter no more. I know my mix of down to earth, engaging and human comms strategy, ideas and leadership make an impact on the people I work alongside every day. I also have some amazing memories from those teenage holidays that I will treasure forever (and a few I’d rather not).
Find out more about #IChoseIC Campaign and how to get involved here.
