What are the best ways to identify career growth opportunities in Internal Communications?

I spent a number of years in internal communications as part of a 31 year career with a number of different roles in a front line department, including program delivery, corporate support, and services to clients and the public. Similar to others’ perspectives, I learned that taking risks, and carefully managing the results, was key to both success and career advancement. One of my DGs used to refer me to as the guy who he could always count on to walk into the spinning propeller. It sounds bad but if you can convince yourself to willfully seek out the uncomfortable, at least once in awhile, and get results…Not only will you feel good about your capacity and capabilities but you will get noticed. Just my two cents. Good luck ??

To grow in Internal Communications, keep learning new things, develop various skills, and make friends in the field. Specialize, be a leader, and stay open to new ideas to find better job opportunities

Um dos mais importantes investimentos na carreira de qualquer profissional é o autoconhecimento. Há inúmeras ferramentas e profissionais capazes de aplicar métodos e avalia??es de perfil. Entender e reconhecer os pontos fortes é uma forma de ampliar e desenvolver novas competências.

Go where your target is! Now this is something you must repeat everyday. If you have great communication but people dont open your emails, it’s like singing in the shower. Be aware of KPI alltimes. Communicators tend to be creative and sometimes forget to check the audience:)

Some of the key things to know and learn - learn web designing, social media engagement and some company specific internal platform tools - networkwith interpersonal skills needed to align as per needs - how to drive small/ micro milestones based event management (not limited to) - how to drive CSR project engagement like encouraging employees to take up mission based activities - how to be an enabler for critical functions like HR

Our skills as internal communications professionals must evolve in the rapidly changing landscape of communication channels. We must be proficient in editing for various platforms, adept at tech implementation, and capable of wearing multiple hats. To stay current, utilize online resources and networking opportunities, like job boards, industry reports, and webinars, to discover the most in-demand roles and emerging niches in this field.

Manter-se antenado com ferramentas e conceitos que o mercado valoriza por meio de leitura, participa??o em eventos do setor e benchmarking. Ao identificar uma oportunidade de implanta??o em sua empresa, n?o ter receio de sugerir à lideran?a, já levando o plano prévio de como tirar do papel, com considera??es realistas de budget, prazo e público-alvo.

Eu costumo estudar as atribui??es de cargos um pouco acima do meu no mercado para verificar gaps em que eu possa evoluir. Com esta avalia??o, busco acumular experiências dentro de minha atual empresa sugerindo novidades em ferramentas, veículos e atividades; além de cursos específicos e conteúdo para aprimorar conhecimento.

O investimento na carreira deve ser constante, há inúmeras possibilidades de reciclagem e amplia??o de conhecimento, vídeos, podcasts, livros, cursos, gradua??o, MBAs, pós-gradua??o e etc. Há também a possibilidade de contar com profissionais em atendimento mais direcionado, individual e mais focado, mas para isso é preciso buscar referências e ter acima de tudo muita disciplina.

As is true with any other career field, lean in. Volunteer for the opportunities. Identify areas of improvement and solve for them, rather than playing the “not my problem” or “not my job” cards — make it your job. Take on new and harder assignments; don’t live in your comfort zone — those assignments with duties and responsibilities outside your expertise and experience areas will help develop you and expand your skill set. Keep learning by engaging with the internal comms community, and bring those learnings back to your team so they (and your internal clients) can benefit too.

Partnering with other business units within your organization is crucial in establishing yourself as a strategic partner rather than just a communication tool. By actively collaborating and aligning your efforts with their goals, you enhance their chances of success and position yourself as an indispensable asset. This collaborative mindset not only aids in your personal growth within the organization but also fuels your career progression, as it demonstrates your commitment to the company's broader objectives. Sharing these collaborative achievements and insights in your portfolio and online presence can further reinforce your value to your network and the wider professional community.

Continuously looking for feedback is crucial to reviewing and adjusting your career plan in internal communications. Embrace opportunities to gather insights from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors, as they can provide valuable perspectives on your growth and development. Stepping out of your comfort zone is equally vital; it often leads to new experiences and challenges that can broaden your skill set and contribute to your career trajectory. I'm regularly looking for feedback, along with your willingness to take on unfamiliar tasks and roles, and will make sure your career plan remains flexible and responsive to the ever-evolving demands of the field.

When it comes to identifying career growth opportunities in internal Comms there are the things you can do yourself- identify your strengths, continue to develop skills etc- but also having a sponsor and mentor (and there is a difference) is critical. Getting feedback from others and having someone who will help you get to the next level has made the difference in my career journey.

The key to identifying career growth opportunities in Internal Communications lies in a commitment to continuous skill acquisition. Stay adaptable by seeking training and resources that align you with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Embrace the fast-paced environment by proactively exploring emerging trends and technologies, ensuring you can leverage them to advance your career and remain a valuable asset.

My five cents: to further your career in internal comms you need to do all of the above. A personal reflection is to also have your priorities in place. Is the career number one, or is it doing the best internal comms possible for the company you work for? I would dare to say that if you are in it for the comms, then career development will happen slow but steady. If you're looking for a fast-track up the ladder; will this affect your output?