Academia Mag’s Post

I am overwhelmed by the incredible engagement on my recent post about transferable skills. It’s received more than 650,000 impressions, over 2,000 reactions, 100 comments, and 78 reposts in about a week. When I wrote it, I wanted to remind myself that I can add a lot of value in business and that I'm more than just my job title. I honestly didn't realise the topic would resonate with so many of you. On LinkedIn, the gold really is in the comments, and I’ve learned a lot. There were some great insights and perspectives, and it's my intention to lift these up. Special shoutouts to: Frank Tingle for highlighting the importance of competencies over experiences in education. Mick Flaherty CV Writer, CPRW, FIoL for sharing how ex-military personnel can leverage their skills. Komal Parekh,RPR,CRS,CIS for a fantastic example of transitioning from teaching to a new career. I’ll be writing some follow-up posts with these perspectives in mind in the coming weeks to keep the conversation going. There's many of you who I'd love to connect with also. It'll take me some time to reach out, so I appreciate your patience! #transferableskills #decisonmaking #jobsearch #communications

Rejection is just redirection 💡🎀 Recently, I interviewed for a role I was so passionate about. While I didn’t get the role, I gained something just as valuable: constructive feedback. ✨ Instead of seeing this as a setback, I turned it into an opportunity for growth 🌸. Based on the feedback, I enrolled into Introduction to Public Relations with PR Academy Ltd recommended by the lovely Grad Girl Marketing 💕. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve completed the program and feel more confident than ever in my #PublicRelations knowledge. 📝 As an aspiring Social Account Executive, I see how PR and social media go hand in hand—and I’m excited to apply these skills to my next opportunity! 💻💬 As a #neurodivergent girly 🎀, I deeply value constructive feedback. It helps me reflect, adapt, and identify areas where I can grow, ensuring I’m always improving. 🌟 Here’s to resilience, adaptability, and never giving up on your goals! 💪💖 #PublicRelations #SocialMedia #Upskilling #Resilience #Neurodiversity #CareerGrowth #FeedbackMatters #Hiring #JobSearchJourney

I’d never worked in marketing before, but I once landed a job as a Marketing Communications Manager. My background spans internal, external, media, and change communications. When an agency approached me for a contract role, I decided to interview because I loved the brand and was curious about the opportunity. The interview went well, but there was a concern: I didn’t have a corporate marketing background (although I majored in PR and marketing at uni). My response? My skills in creating content and campaigns are transferable. A target audience is just that—an audience. Whether internal or external, the goal is to craft and deliver a compelling message for a key purpose. I got the job, and it was a fantastic experience. It made me an even better communicator. Don’t let your job title or CV limit you. Your skills are transferable. Hiring managers: recognise transferable skills and take a chance on great talent. They could be a really valuable addition to your team. I thank that manager for taking a chance on me! Apply for that role and have that conversation. You never know where it might lead. #decisionmaking #transferableskills #communications

I recently had a new grad reach out to me asking about how to break into the communications sector. When you graduate, you’re eager to kickstart your career - and sometimes that eagerness can move your attention away from making strategic choices. My first role in communications as a new grad paid me $24,000 - a ridiculous amount for the work I was hired to do, and in hindsight I wish I had someone to give me this advice back then. So, here are my tips for breaking into the communications sector as a new grad: - Acknowledge that your first job out of school is, quite likely, just that. A first job. While universities and colleges are doing a much better job at providing experiential learning, on paper you will still need to hold roles to advance to where you want to get. - When scanning job listings, pay attention to titles like “coordinator,” or “officer.” These titles hold meaning across the sector and can help grab the attention of future employers. - Consider positions that align with your field of study; for finance grads, explore opportunities with agencies or government bodies related to finance communication. And explore organizations with unions, as they can offer stability and growth prospects. - Once you’re in, focus on learning, networking, and contributing to projects. Aim for promotions or gain enough experience to move on with a solid title and a portfolio of successful projects. - Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and stay curious about emerging trends! Breaking into communications is about persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

Explaining what we do can come off as vague and easy but brand storytelling is soooo crucial, if not the core of any successful business. 💪

Why Are Communication Graduates Facing More Career Challenges? 🤔 In today’s competitive job market, it’s becoming evident that graduates from Communication studies often face tougher challenges finding opportunities compared to their peers from Business or Economics. But why is that? Unlike degrees tied directly to numbers or financial outcomes, Communication blends creativity, strategy, and interpersonal skills. The value we bring may not always show up in a spreadsheet—but it’s crucial in shaping brand narratives, managing public perception, and driving long-term success 📈. Unfortunately, many industries still underestimate the strategic importance of these skills. Moreover, job titles for communication roles are often more ambiguous. While roles like marketing, sales, or finance are clear-cut, many communication graduates face uncertainty because functions like content creation, PR, or media strategy may span multiple departments. To stand out, communication graduates need to emphasize the measurable impact of their work—whether that’s increasing engagement, shaping brand loyalty, or managing crises effectively 🚀. Understanding business fundamentals and aligning communication strategies with business goals are also essential in bridging the gap. The key is showing that communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a business imperative that drives reputation, loyalty, and trust 💡. What do you think? How can communication professionals make their value more visible in today’s market? #CareerGrowth #CommunicationSkills #JobMarket #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment

“Why did you choose to study Marketing and Public Relations?” 🤔 I often get asked this question, so I thought I would share my answer with you. 💡 Unlike many business students, I didn’t take business studies in high school. I thought business meant numbers, and I wasn’t a numbers fan. However, I thrived in media studies and English, which led me down the communication studies pathway. 📚🎥 It wasn’t until the end of my first year of university, when I was choosing my majors, that I decided to take up a double degree. I was deciding between a double major in communication studies or what I ultimately chose: a double degree in communication studies and business, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing. Looking back now, I am incredibly glad to have made that decision and I totally think it was right for me. Not only will having a double degree give me an extra piece of paper to frame at my graduation 🎓, but I also truly believe that the majors I have studied complement each other and combine my strengths seamlessly. 🤝 Marketing and Public Relations are the perfect blend of creativity and strategy, where I have found the opportunity to unleash my creative side while making data-driven decisions to achieve goals. Something I love about what I chose to study is the versatility and range of opportunities it allows for. Marketing and PR open doors to a wide range of career options such as digital marketing roles, PR agencies, corporate communications, and brand management. 🌐📈 Additonally, I love the relationship building aspect, the power to drive positive change, and how dynamic and evolving the industries are. 🌟 I’m excited about my journey ahead and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to these two distinct yet interconnected fields. #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #PublicRelations #PR #Passion #CareerJourney #CommunicationStudies #Business #DoubleDegree

Thinking about advancing your career with a Master's in Digital Marketing? Discover the top career opportunities this degree can unlock, from Marketing Manager to CMO. Check out our latest blog for detailed insights. Don’t miss out on these exciting career paths! Link in comments. #CareerGrowth #DigitalMarketing #MarketingCareers #MastersDegree #CareerOpportunities

If I was graduating this year or simply looking to start fresh in the Digital PR world, here’s what I’d be doing right now 👇 … 📲 Optimising my social media Social media can be one of your best friends in the PR world. Take time to build your network and connect with professionals in the space. This gives you access to insider knowledge, tips and expertise, as well as any potential job opportunities. LinkedIn and X are great platforms to do this. Tip: don’t be shy to reach out to people! 🧠 Gaining transferable skills and knowledge The truth is, that the DPR landscape is full of professionals who come from all different backgrounds and many without a degree. So if you are interested in making a career switch or entering the PR industry, gaining relevant PR skills can be a great step forward. Listen to podcasts, sign up for newsletters & webinars, and complete online courses. ✨ Saying no to my comfort zone Whether you're seeking a role that's entirely different from your field of study, or venturing into a completely new industry, it can be a scary experience. When I was in university, I studied politics, and when it came to deciding where to take my career, I felt nervous about trying something new and I almost didn't accept my first PR job offer. However, the truth is that stepping outside of your comfort zone is where all the magic happens. Don't be afraid to take the leap! 💼 Being open to internships or assistant roles We all have to start somewhere, and sometimes taking an internship or assistant role provides you with the stepping stone you need. 📝 Spending time revamping my CV It sounds cliche, but future employers need to know who you are and what value you can bring. Take time to craft a good ‘about’ or ‘introduction’ section of your CV - talk about your passion for the industry, what skills you bring to the table and what you're looking for in a role. Is there anything else you would add to this list? #Digitalpr #LinkedIn #Graduate

I don’t think you need industry-specific training or experience to work in most comms and marketing roles. I see so many courses in “X industry marketing” or jobs requiring X number of years of experience in a specific industry to be considered for a role when the actual skills required are universal. You can learn an industry (a lot more easily than some insiders would want you to believe!), and if you’re requiring someone who has sport or music or whatever specific experience rather than looking at their overall comms skills, you’re cutting off your nose to spite your face. I saw someone with a relative amount of industry power recently tell career-changers they should apply for entry level roles if they wanted to move into the entertainment industry, which is absolutely laughable advice. I’ve worked in fan conventions, book publishing, health care marketing, book publishing again, and now government strategic communications and every single one of those industries has been learnt on the job. I’m lucky that I’ve had managers who have believed in transferrable skills and given me a shot. Does it sometimes take a week or two to get up to speed? Sure! But that’s something you experience moving within an industry too. People with a breadth of career experience bring fresh ideas and lessons that can teach those within an industry bubble. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to pay for industry specific training – focus on universal skills, lateral thinking, and examples of how your existing experience can transfer. It should be up to hiring managers to expand their thinking regarding hireable skills, not on you to be forced to start from scratch or to pay for pointless courses. Believe in your skills and experience, regardless of how “shiny” your current role looks from the outside.