I am a corporate communicator, a global internal communications guru is what I like to call myself. I love what I do. It’s a career that found its way to me. I was a Chicago public school teacher who was presented with a pink slip at the end of the school year. I was tired, burned out and ready for a change.
After sharing the news of wanting a new career, a friend who works in human resources helped me rewrite my resume, polish my interview skills then submitted my resume for an entry-level role at her company. The recruiter liked what she saw on my resume and called for an interview. After a four-hour interview with more people than I can remember, I got the job! I was off to corporate America.
I was responsible for supporting a team of 800 employees and consultants. I did everything from sorting mail to writing a monthly newsletter to partnering with my manager, the senior director of Human Resources, to shape culture. I had no idea at the time that the last two duties would lead to a role in corporate communications but people noticed. Eighteen months later I was promoted to a role on a change management, communications and training team. And the learning began and still continues today. I’m proud to say I learned from the best.
What’s the purpose of sharing my story? To help the many of you who have been thrust into the role of communicator during the coronavirus. Here are a few things I learned about developing content and writing when I first started my communications career. I still use them today. I hope you find them useful.
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Please feel free to message me via LinkedIn with your questions. I’m also available to consult on your communications needs.
PS … I’m still grateful today for the entry-level role that launched my communications career.
About the Author:
Committee Member, Chapter Marketing & Public Relations
Rhonda Carlson
Global Internal Communications Expert
Rhonda is a global internal communications guru. She most recently worked for PepsiCo, a consumer package goods company. Her client was the IT organization. She can decode “tech talk,” as well as develop content and executive communications, employee engagement and shape culture and so much more. Just ask her!