Here's how you can shift from another industry to a career in Internal Communications.

To understand IC, first you must understand strategy. Anything you do within IC has to build towards and be in line with the corporate strategy. The strategy defines the company's purpose, values, and culture, and the IC strategy will leverage them. Other key items within IC are understanding the talent that works in the organization, the company's structure, how decisions are made, the overall ecosystem, and how people interact in that ecosystem through internal platforms. Once you've mapped that out, you'll be better prepared to face the communications challenges a specific organization faces. Clarity and boundaries are essential when communicating to an internal audience: it sets clear expectations and builds a culture of trust.

Shifting to a career in Internal Communications from another industry requires a focus on transferable skills and understanding the nuances of employee engagement. Start by leveraging your existing strengths, like project management, writing, or stakeholder collaboration. For example, a marketing professional transitioning to Internal Comms can highlight their experience in crafting targeted messages, managing campaigns, and engaging diverse audiences. To deepen your understanding, shadow internal comms professionals, attend workshops, or seek mentorship. Learning how to align communication with organizational goals and culture is key to making a successful shift.

Deepen your understanding of employee engagement, change management, and corporate culture. When I transitioned, I leveraged my experience in content creation to develop engaging internal newsletters. Seek out mentors or online courses to fill gaps and showcase your adaptability. Tailoring your existing skills to internal communications makes the transition smoother and more impactful.

When I moved from being an editor-in-chief in publishing to a leadership role in Internal Communications, it wasn’t something I expected. But networking and providing excellent service opened the door to this new opportunity. My advice? Get out there, connect with people, and show them what you can offer—whether it’s at industry events, through LinkedIn, or even in your current role. You never know what may result from the authentic, strong relationships you develop. It’s about creating genuine connections and staying open to where they might lead.

Die Internal Comms Community ist nicht gro?. Als ich ein Angebot für einen IC Job bekam, fragte ich herum, um etwas über meine neuen Kollegen zu erfahren - und ich erfuhr viel Gutes. Als ich eine Nachfolge suchte, fragte ich in meinem Netzwerk. Wann immer wir jemanden suchten, fragten wir bei Agenturen, Kollegen etc. Deshalb: Vernetzt euch mit Menschen in Internal Comms, wenn ihr einen Job in Internat Comms anstrebt. Wir sind Kommunikator:innen, das hei?t wir reden gern und sind gern im Kontakt mit anderen. Bringt euch ein, werft eure Hüte in den Ring - und habt Spa? am freundlichen Austausch. Dann kommen die richtigen Kontakt von allein. Aber bitte nicht vergessen: Mit Kontakten allein kommt man nicht weit. K?nnen muss man auch was ;-)

This is something I am working on personally. It can be tricky to identify how experience in a different field can apply to IC. My experience is in writing. I've been sitting behind a computer screen for nearly 18 years typing away, not managing a team nor actively communicating within an organization. So how does this skill transfer to IC? It's actually a great fit. Most ICs are written (even videos have scripts!), so I can leverage my writing skill and pair it with learning about the inner workings of IC. Some positions require experience in the field, so highlighting how your particular skill adds value is essential to make up for the lack of experience. Showing you understand the role and your contribution to it will help.

To shift into Internal Communications from another industry, craft a pitch that highlights transferable skills like writing, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Start by aligning your past experience with communication needs. For example, if you were in sales, emphasize how your experience in delivering clear, persuasive messaging can enhance employee communication. Structure your pitch around problem-solving. "In my previous role, I managed client communication strategies, driving clarity and engagement. I’m eager to apply this expertise in fostering internal alignment and engagement." Showcase adaptability and readiness to learn, proving your value in the new field.