Get ready to #UpYourICGame2020

So what better time to come together to talk professional development and swap tips on how to take the next step - no matter where you are in your career journey? That's exactly what FutureNet and IoIC London did, teaming up for an end-of-year event to commit to 'up our IC game' in 2020.

According to the experts

Fuelled by seasonal bites and a few festive tipples, discussions flowed about how ongoing learning can boost your career and what senior professionals are looking for in those ready to take the next step.

There were also lightning talks from expert speakers. Andrew Harvey, Chief Executive at VMAGroup and IoIC Board member, kicked us off with an insight into what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. He shared his top three tricky interview questions. How would you fare against them?

"I always ask candidates: which companies do you admire for their approach to internal communication? And no it can't be one you used to work at," he says. "What do you do every month to build your skills? And finally, I have six people all as qualified as you are for this job – why should I give it to you over them?"

Matt Batten, Director of Communications and Engagement for The Church in Wales and FutureNet committee member, was next. He shared his journey with the IoIC's continuous professional development (CPD) scheme, explaining how he managed to complete it on a shoestring budget and land a much more senior position as a result.

He says: "As well as professional training and courses, the IoIC website has fantastic free resources. And not forgetting the podcasts, books, webinars and the wider IC community that can inspire and support your learning."

Learning together

A common theme in both Andrew's and Matt's talks, the importance of sharing and learning from each other was a prevalent topic. In fact, for Jacqueline Rumbold, Internal Communication Executive at Nestlé UK and Ireland, it was one of the main benefits of the evening.

"As a member of FutureNet, the event caught my attention because I'm constantly looking for ways to develop my skills as an IC professional and #UpMyICGame!" adds Jacqueline. "It was great to meet a lot of new faces and hear from the speakers on the skills needed to be successful in our industry.

"The main thing I took from the event was the importance of expanding your knowledge of IC beyond the company you work for and knowing what's working well in other parts of the industry."

Thank you to everyone who attended - it was great to see so many new (and familiar!) faces. We're busy getting ready for more of the same next year - keep an eye on Twitter @IoIC_News and the FutureNet LinkedIn Group for news and event announcements.