Career Opportunities in Corporate Communication

Duties of Corporate Communicator

As a corporate communicator, an individual becomes the face of the organisation. The skill sets required in corporate communications are an ability to articulate ideas, ability to write lucidly and above all? being a people?s person. The corporate communicators are involved in internal communication with employees and are responsible to effectively transmit information originating from the management. For a stock market listed company, the communication department within the organisation is responsible for channelling investor queries as well as ensuring a constant flow of information between various stakeholders. In large organisations, the advertising and PR strategies also fall within the ambit of corporate communication.

Corporate Communication experts are the advocates for organisations in managing the complex communications that take places between organisations and their external and internal audiences. These specialist communicators are representing the organisation and make the organisation to aware of public views and attitudes. Other responsibilities of corporate communicators include media contacts, drafting press release, arrange and conduct programmes of internal and external communications. Corporate communication is responsible for creating and maintaining the brand and looking after the organisation’s reputation. It works towards projecting an excellent image at all times. The positive image a company projects helps in moulding public opinion in its favour in times of an actual crisis.

Specific responsibilities of a corporate communicator include:

· Supervise the status of the organization
· Develop, execute and evaluate communications strategies
· Ensuring effective two-way internal communications
· Taking the lead on media handling, proactively placing good news stories, dealing with enquiries and producing media releases
·Developing links with other departments, which enhances the smooth functioning.
· Planning proactive communications
· Leading public relations, including customer services
· Playing a key role in issue management and planning
· Ensuring that other health organizations are kept fully briefed on developments, plans and any incidents in your organization
· Producing high quality information service
· Advising senior colleagues on strategic communications and related issues
· Engaging in business promotion campaigns
· Typically, the following skills would be necessary for a communications role:
· Ability to work equally well both on your own and within a team
Ability to write, speak and brief others clearly
·Ability to assess and select appropriate communications routes for different messages and audiences
·Ability to remain calm under pressure
·Ability to recognize sensitive situations and act appropriately
· Negotiating and influencing skills
· Ability to work well with others at all levels both within and outside your company
· Ability to gain the trust and respect of senior colleagues
· Ability to provide creative input to projects
· Ability to think strategically

The pay package

The pay scales in the sector vary based on the organisation and experience on part of the candidate. A candidate with a relevant degree and good communication skills can also get remuneration in the range of Rs 3.5 lakhs per annum. Once you have relevant experience of 4-5 years in the field, the annual remuneration can easily go up to Rs 5-6 lakhs. While talented people can make their way up to the level of vice-president in a company, at the entry level, corporate communicators usually draw salary of Rs 15,000-20,000.

The demand from organisations is only going to increase given the growth we are witnessing. If you feel that communication is your strength and have an ability to understand businesses then this is the career for you. After all, like finance and marketing professionals, a corporate communication professional too is not restricted to a specific industry.