In an interview with vox-popPRcareers, Rachel Allen, head of communications at London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL) lets graduates know the facts and requirements of working in internal communications.

Requirements

An entry-level internal comms assistant would be expected to support the internal communications manager.

Tasks could include:

• organising distribution of the employee magazine
• collating feedback and measurement for the team brief
• keeping crisis communication information updated
• managing media library of images for internal/external use
• researching and writing stories for use in various communication channels
• supporting the communications team during events
• eg organising invitations, RSVPs, collating powerpoint slide decks etc.

This is not an exhaustive list but gives an indication of the range of activities and responsibilities required for an entry-level internal communications role.

The journalism connection

Internal communications is likened to being an ‘internal journalist’ for a company so the qualities you need should be likened to those of a journalist.

The Lifestyle

The hours very much depend on the role and company. If you work for a multi-national organisation with time zones different to your own, employees working shifts or 24/7 operation, it won’t be 9-5, particularly if you need to travel.

The HR connection

Internal communicators should be in liaison with every part of an organisation, not just HR.  Some companies operate using a business partner approach, with internal communicators working alongside various departments offering advice and creating communications campaigns to support their projects.

Further ideas for breaking into internal communications

On the whole more companies appear to be recognising the value of communications and recruiting internal communicators. The key thing for comms professionals is to gain as much experience as possible, to join professional bodies such as CIPR, CiB and IABC, and to ensure their skills are kept updated through courses and qualifications. A popular qualification is the post-graduate diploma in Internal Communication Management offered by Kingston University/Capita in London and the various diplomas from the CIPR.

Special thanks to Rachel Allen of London Overground for providing the facts of this factsheet.

The key trend I have picked from this data is that senior PRs are being recruited and looked for. This is great news for veterans but what about privates wanting to jump into the PR game? I find it a little concerning because juniors being hired is always a good sign for employment, because it encourages more people to enter the industry.