Like many IC pro’s I ‘fell’ into a career in IC. For me that was way back in the 1990’s. Training was very much ‘on the job’, and whilst I have been fortunate to learn from many talented colleagues over the years, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that somehow, I wasn’t ‘qualified’.
With 5 years in house experience, and a further 18 in an agency, that might seem an odd thing to say. As an individual I know that my preference is to try and go into any situation as fully prepared as possible; ‘shooting from the hip’ is simply not for me! So, when I stumbled across the Masters’ programme for IC Management I was really excited to see if I could somehow squeeze it into a busy work and home life. Fortunately for me I have some very supportive employers, who were really happy to invest in my continuous professional development; and my family – well somehow we juggled all that, and interestingly I was studying at the same time as my eldest daughter was dissertation writing for her Masters, my son was studying for his final year Uni exams and my youngest daughter was taking her GCSEs – so I put it down as ‘leading by example’!
I have really relished the opportunity to take a properly theoretical look at ‘the science’ or possibly ‘the art’ of internal communication. The course covers everything from how individuals ‘make sense’ of what is going on around them, how we use language, mechanisms for influence, and even an overview of neuroscience, as well as developing core skills such as strategy design and implementation and conducting measurement and research. I think the course has given me a better understanding of ‘how I tick’ and a better appreciation of others, enabling more fruitful working relationships.
For me, the course has re-ignited my passion for communication, provided me with academic models that reinforce my gut feelings on occasions and encourage me to stretch further on others – researching new areas and looking for new inspiration.
Having the opportunity to study under such an enthusiastic, supportive and knowledgeable set of tutors, and alongside my newly found peer group, has been one of the highlights of the experience. Having the opportunity to take time out of day-to-day deliverables to simply focus on getting better at what you do is a real gift. Obviously, it takes commitment, but it is worth it; I’m almost sad it’s over! I’ll just have to console myself by finishing reading all those books that I only had time to dip in and out of!
