Lessons I've Learned as a Young Professional in Public Engagement

1. Every voice matters in engagement

2. Gender Based Analysis plus isn't just about genders and sex in public engagement. It is encompassing, GBA Plus provides a framework to contextualize the range of personal attributes such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age and mental or physical disability and ensure that these factors do not limit success and inclusion.

3. Public Engagement is different from communications- While communications focus on sharing information, public engagement is about building two-way relationships, inviting people to actively shape decisions.

4. Public Engagement and Stakeholder management are not the same; Stakeholder management focuses on key, often organized groups, while public engagement encompasses broader community involvement. Both are essential but serve distinct purposes.

5. Misinformation and disinformation is a constantly evolving threat that affects public engagement and all parts of society in different ways; that's why I wont stop speaking about it. Also, countering disinformation will not limit free speech but would help ensure people have access to trustworthy and accurate information.

6. Actively involving the public in decision-making processes is a critical part of sound, democratic governance.

7. Conflict management skills is a very needed skill as a public engagement professional. We can truly agree to disagree here.

8. Flexibility to recognize that you cannot predict all contingencies in advance and will have to adjust the process as you proceed.

9. Humility goes a long way. Suspend judgment, value the contributions of others, and take the attitude of a learner. Public engagement is about empowering communities, not imposing solutions.

10. As a policy professional, I’ve often had to translate complex policies and data into simple, relatable formats. Combining clear language and visuals helps make technical or abstract ideas accessible to a broader audience.

These lessons have shown me that public engagement is more than just a profession—it’s a vital tool for building trust, fostering transparency, and creating solutions that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. In both the government and private sectors, public engagement plays a critical role in bridging gaps, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, and driving meaningful, inclusive decisions.

It’s a field that challenges you to listen deeply, adapt to evolving needs, and approach every situation with empathy and humility. At its core, public engagement empowers communities, strengthens democracy, and drives innovation by placing people at the heart of decision-making processes.

Whether you’re working in government, corporate social responsibility, or community development, public engagement is a reminder that collaboration and connection are essential for progress.

What lessons have shaped your professional journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts!