Here's how you can navigate the misconceptions of transitioning to a career in Internal Communications.

When I first started, I mistakenly thought the job of an internal communications (IC) person was to organize parties and dances. haha. But I worked in an organization of 3,000 people, and my team was the team that reshaped the company culture. Through crises (culminating in covid-19), the company culture was nurtured, spread by our team and became a source of collective strength. That's something I'm always proud of. So, do people have a different perspective on IC? It's because of what IC people do for the people and culture of that organization.

Believing in the importance of internal communications within an organization can significantly enhance productivity and harmony. Effective internal communication systems streamline information flow, helping tasks get done better and faster while reducing conflicts. Additionally, consistent and strategic internal communications strengthen corporate culture and reinforce the organization’s vision, mission, and core values.

Many young IC-ers in this field struggle to choose between focusing on company culture or pursuing purely business-oriented roles. While IC fosters a strong culture, a company still needs a profitable business model to thrive. The right communication strategy aligns these goals, ensuring they work together seamlessly. Internal Communication acts as an invisible thread, weaving its message through the organization, involving everyone and uniting them towards the shared mission and vision – a combination of people, culture, and business goals.

By cultivating both hard and soft skills, internal communicators can driving employee engagement, shaping company culture, and contributing to the overall success of the business. - Strategic Planning and Communication & Data Analysis and Measurement - Project Management and Organization - Technical Skills - Interpersonal and Active Listening and Empathy - Excellent Written and Verbal Communication - Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork - Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity - Change Management - Problem-Solving and Decision-Makingn - Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. - Strategic Thinking and Vision

Today's analytics tools allow us to quantify employee engagement through metrics like message open rates, feedback surveys, and even sentiment analysis. This data goes beyond basic clicks. It reveals how employees are responding to messages, allowing us to tailor strategies and demonstrate the value we bring to leadership. By tracking metrics like employee retention rates, productivity improvements, and even correlations with positive business outcomes, we can showcase the tangible benefits of effective internal communication. In short, strong IC is an investment that demonstrably pays off.

Network is really important for an internal communications (IC) person: 1. Network with departments within the company: Building relationships across departments is crucial. Consider coffee chats or informal teambuilding activities to connect with colleagues. 2. Network with IC workers: The internal communications community is growing! Expand your network on platforms like LinkedIn or join IC-specific online groups, forums, or conferences to share ideas, learn about communication initiatives, and connect with fellow professionals. 3. Network with vendors: A strong relationship with vendors goes beyond better pricing. It can lead to early access to new products, collaboration on creative solutions, and faster project turnaround times.