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Women in Internal and Change Communications

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Women in Internal and Change Communications

Happy International Women’s Day!

I don’t feel smug about many things, but when it comes to women I certainly do. I’m extremely lucky to have the most amazingly fierce, loyal and inspiring women in my life and I’m thankful every day for them.

A surprise bonus was joining VMA GROUP and recruiting for Internal Communications and Change professionals which, as it happens, turns out to be a predominately female industry. 70% of respondents to VMA GROUP’s 2018 Inside Insight report, which focuses on the internal communications sector, were female (up from 64% the previous year), and we believe this is a fair reflection of the sector as a whole.

In the six months that I have been at VMA GROUP I have met some incredible women who have achieved some truly amazing things in their careers. I’m often left in complete admiration after meetings with clients and candidates. To celebrate International Women’s Day, I approached a few of the women who have inspired me and picked their brains about what it’s like for them working in internal communications. Here are some of their thoughts – I hope you enjoy reading them:

What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting out in your career?

“Worry less and don’t allow the fear of rejection or failure stop you from going after what you want.”

“Don't overthink opportunities. Better to put yourself forward, or your hand up, to take on more or something different without analysing it to death. Trying something new, or different is ALWAYS good for you. You will ALWAYS learn and grow - it really is a win--win.”

“If you want it - stick to it, explore it, fail in it and then get back to it. If you don’t want it - walk away and go on looking.”

“Say ‘yes’ to the opportunities that frighten you the most!”

“Don’t feel you must have a plan. Stay open to opportunities. 
Be yourself and know intuitively that you can do it.”

What’s the biggest misconception about being a woman working in internal/change communications?

“Internal communication can often be referred to as the "fluffy stuff". It is a huge misconception that women are successful at this because they are good with the "fluffy stuff". Businesses cannot run or be successful in silence and it is the words and actions that inspire and motivate people. Whether male or female, bringing the business to life for the front-line means understanding what matters, their worl