Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?
I’ve recently started a new role as Content and Channels Advisor at Medical Protection Society.
In my team we work to a business partnering model, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation to plan, advise and deliver on our IC requirements.
I joined the IoIC as a member back in 2022 when I took the Advanced Diploma and I’ve not looked back. I didn’t just get the learnings I took from the course itself, but I’ve also benefited from access to loads of valuable industry information, new contacts and personal support.
My current role is in a new sector for me but being a member of the IoIC has been a great source of confidence as I’ve got started. I know I’ve always got an external network for any help I need.
What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
Like a lot of communicators, I fell into internal communications almost by accident but I wouldn’t swap it! I did my degree in marketing and my first full time role was in marketing for a small bathroom company before a friend sent me a job vacancy for a press office assistant at our local council.
I was successful in getting that role and, really, the rest is history... I had a really supportive and development-focused manager who encouraged me to take on stretch projects and one of them was leading on co-ordination of the council’s internal magazine, The Grapevine.
I absolutely loved managing the plan, co-ordinating articles and working with colleagues in the press office, in design and around the wider council to pull the magazine together every two weeks.
Even though it was a long time ago now, I’ve still got a folder somewhere with some of the editions I was most proud of and that’s where my love of comms really began.
I really enjoy the variety and the chance to look behind the scenes that IC gives you. As a role it offers a great chance to be creative, to meet new people and to make a real difference in helping to engage your colleagues.
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
Being an IoIC member has helped me in so many ways.
I hadn’t done any formal learning since University but taking on the Advanced Diploma reignited a love of learning in me and I’ve been keen to keep up with other professional development activities ever since.
It’s also opened up my awareness and access to some really valuable resources, like the IC Index. I love when each year’s report comes out. I find them so helpful in understanding current IC trends and to use as a data-point to have those great value-adding conversations around IC with leaders and other stakeholders.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
I’m going to go off-piste with this one… like so many other comms professionals at the moment I was made redundant earlier this year.
What I’m proud of is the way I was able to move into my new role with confidence, learning and experience and take a running start at a new opportunity and some great projects.
I’ve just finished my three-month probation and I’m already leading on some priority projects within our team, including the creation of a new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for Medical Protection Society.
I’m really proud of the knowledge and experience I have and the way I’ve shown up, applied my skills and been able to step into a trusted position so quickly in a new role and a new sector.
It’s been a real confidence boost, especially after such a tricky time, and I honestly would credit the IoIC with helping me build that confidence.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?
It might be a bit of a comms cliché, but be curious! Ask as many questions as you can to understand the business, the role and the people around you.
Working in internal comms is such a privileged position and we’ve often got access to people and information that others don’t, so use that to your advantage to build us as many contacts and as much context as you can.
It will really help when you’re challenged and you have to share the ‘why’ for colleagues or stakeholders.
I’d also really recommend taking on as much learning as you can and use the IoIC’s resources and short courses to start with. As well as the topic you’re looking at, you’ll get some really invaluable time with expert tutors and like-minded comms professionals.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take a career break and went to work in Greece for a summer season.
I worked in a hotel on Skiathos. Yes, the ‘Mamma Mia island’ but we don’t talk about that!
On the face of it, it was a very different role. I was checking people in and working with holiday companies but really, it’s all internal comms. I was helping to build relationships and experience for guests instead of colleagues, but communication was still key.
I’ve got some great stories, some horror stories and some fantastic memories, including the retired Elvis impersonator staying in the hotel who insisted everyone sing happy birthday to me!
