As it's a big thing in Germany (that's where I'm from) to learn a 'real job' before reaching 20 years of age or so - I decided to enrol in a business apprenticeship to gain a formal qualification. The plan was to go back to the production of movies and commercials once I had completed the ticket.
My rotations across the business, in the energy sector, included an assignment in their Corporate Communications department and my first experience of working in Internal Communication.
It was then, that I discovered the impact that internal communication has, on the ability of an organisation to deliver, and on its people. I witnessed many positive examples but also the damage, badly planned or executed communication can have.
And it was fun too – I have great memories of running a Family Day in the offices and the delight on the faces of visiting children and senior scientists alike, conducting experiments in the office or dressing an entire floor to host a party.
Needless to say, I chose to stay - as a Communications Assistant. I later undertook an additional trainee programme which allowed me to complete a Public Relations degree while gaining further working experience.
Over the years I have often held broad communication roles, but at the heart of it (certainly of mine!) has always been a strong focus on engaging employees in what an organisation stands for, and how this translates into shared values and everyone's ways of working.
I've had opportunities to bring business strategies to life, explain the impact of change and transformation projects tell amazing stories of technologies and people and support senior leaders to engage with their teams or break the most difficult of news. I can't think of any other profession that offers such a unique relationship with and insight into all areas of a business.
As internal communications professionals we are advisors, creatives, translators, storytellers, strategists, facilitators, ambassadors, and listeners - sometimes all in one day.
I doubt that enabling conversations, providing clarity, and supporting organisations and individuals to navigate challenging or changing circumstances will ever lose its appeal to me.
Much has changed since I started on my journey in internal communications – the expectations placed upon organisations as employers and workplaces in general, technology and the internal communications profession itself, as it has become much more defined and established with many degrees and professional qualifications available to anyone with an interest in the field.
What hasn't changed is the importance of delivering clear and compelling messages. So if you're inquisitive, love problem solving and a cause to truly care about - internal communication may just be for you too!
