Strategies for Success in Global Media and Comms Jobs

The field of media and communications is constantly evolving and expanding, offering exciting opportunities for professionals who want to make an impact in the global arena. But how can you succeed in this competitive and dynamic sector? What skills and strategies do you need to stand out and advance your career?

Last month, I had the chance to attend a Twitter space organized by the Media, Comms & PR Jobs team, where a panel of experts shared their insights and tips on how to thrive in global media, PR, and comms jobs. The space was titled ‘Strategies for Success in Global Media and Comms Roles’ and featured speakers from different backgrounds and experiences, including journalists, PR practitioners, digital marketers, and comms professionals.

The space was full of valuable advice and inspiration, and I learned a lot from the speakers and the participants. Here are some of the key takeaways that I want to share with you:

• Have a clear vision of where you want to go and what you want to achieve. This will help you set goals, plan actions, and measure progress. Don’t be afraid to dream big and pursue your passions.
• Do a skills audit and identify your strengths and gaps. Check your job description and see what skills you have and what skills you need to improve or acquire. Learn from your field's best practices and trends and keep yourself updated. Seek opportunities to upskill yourself, whether it’s through formal education, online courses, certifications, or workshops.
• Check out people you admire and see what skills they have. Find role models and mentors who can inspire, guide, and support you. You can also learn from your peers and colleagues and form mutually beneficial relationships. Don’t be shy about asking for help or feedback; be open to learning from others.
• Align your job with your values and interests. Choose a career path that matches your personality, preferences, and principles. Don’t compromise your integrity or authenticity for money or fame. Find a job that gives you meaning, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
• Flex your teamwork muscle and collaborate with others. Media, PR, and comms roles require working with different people internally and externally. You need to communicate effectively, respect diversity, and build trust. You also need to be adaptable, flexible, and creative and be able to handle challenges and changes.
• Have a great social media presence and showcase your work. Social media is a powerful tool for media, PR, and communications professionals, allowing you to reach a wider audience, engage with your stakeholders, and demonstrate your expertise. Use social media platforms to share your portfolio, achievements, and opinions and to network with other professionals. Be strategic, consistent, and professional in your online presence, and avoid posting anything that could harm your reputation or credibility.
• Be strategic and selective in your career choices. Don’t just take any job that comes your way, but look for opportunities that align with your goals, skills, and values. For example, if you're a teetotaler, working with an alcoholic brand would be against your values.
• Do your research and prepare well for your applications and interviews. Talk about the impact of your work, not just your tasks and responsibilities. Highlight your unique skills and experiences, such as cross-border or cross-cultural work, and the tools you are proficient in, such as social media marketing, email marketing, photography, AI (prompt generation), WordPress, etc.
• Have situational awareness and emotional intelligence. Media, PR, and communications jobs involve dealing with complex and sensitive issues, such as politics, conflict, or crisis. You need to be aware of your work's context and implications and be able to respond appropriately and ethically. You also need to be empathetic, respectful, and compassionate and be able to manage your emotions and stress.
• Remain authentic to yourself. Don’t try to be someone you are not or to fit into a mold that is not yours. Embrace your identity, personality, and style, and use them to your advantage. Your authenticity sets you apart and will make you stand out from the rest.
• Be open and curious about your organization. You can grow internally within a company, especially if affiliated with other organizations. Look for opportunities to learn from different departments, projects, and partners and showcase your skills and contributions. Seek feedback and guidance from your managers and mentors, and take on new challenges and responsibilities proactively.
• Learn your colleagues: know what they like, what triggers them, what motivates them, and what their strengths are, and then make that work to your advantage. Building positive and productive relationships with co-workers is essential for career success and satisfaction. You can leverage your colleagues' expertise, experience, and networks and support them in their goals and challenges. Be respectful, collaborative, and communicative, and avoid unnecessary conflicts or drama.
• Storytelling is your superpower: Learn from seasoned professionals like Verah Vashti Okeyo on how to tell stories of ordinary people. As the saying goes, "show, don't tell". To create compelling and engaging content, you must research and find the stories that illustrate your message and connect with your audience. Talk to people directly involved or affected by your work, and listen to their perspectives, experiences, and emotions. Use storytelling techniques to capture their voices and convey their realities. See how to package your skills for your organization. Constantly ask questions and seek new angles and insights.
• Learn a suite of skills such as graphic design, photography, content creation, community management, UI UX, writing, public speaking, etc. Media, PR, and communications jobs require diverse and versatile skills; you never know when to use them. Stay within one area or function, but try to learn as much as possible about different media and comms work aspects. You can use online platforms, courses, books, podcasts, or mentors to acquire new skills or improve your existing ones. A wide range of skills will make you more valuable, adaptable, and creative in your job.

I am thankful to the panelists Eunice Kilonzo, ACIM, Beth Njeri, and Zac Kinyanjui, who generously shared their knowledge and wisdom. They are all inspiring examples of professionals who have succeeded in their global careers. I'm also grateful to the Media, Comms & PR Jobs team for organizing this space and creating a platform for learning and networking.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful for your career development. If you have any comments or questions, please contact me on LinkedIn. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning! And if you’re in Nairobi, remember to hydrate.