Anyone with an interest and talent for writing, speaking and ensuring people are on the same page might enjoy a career in corporate communication. Often also referred to as corporate communications, the term refers to the way in which information is distributed within an organization, as well as to its customers and other stakeholders. Continue reading to learn more about a career in this field and what it entails.
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About Corporate Communications
A corporation or corporate organization typically is a medium to large-sized company. Communications within the organization and among its key stakeholders, such as customers and advisory board members, must be handled in strategic ways in order to maintain the company’s efficiency, compliance, and profitability. Therefore, it’s crucial that there is a team in place to manage and direct such day-to-day communication activities. Corporate communications is the process of creating a standard voice for a company.
Types of Corporate Communications
There are various types of corporate communication, according to Fast Company. Some are formal. These are often information, instructions, or suggestions that are sent through company channels such as memos or policies. They typically require approval within multiple levels of the organization’s administration. Informal communication is the day-to-day type of activities that occur among employees. Emails and in-person conversations may fall under this category. Communications can be internal among employees. They also take place with external parties such as customers, vendors, distributors, and the general public. They usually occur in either written or verbal form.
Examples of communication types include:
- Employee handbooks and manuals
- Company mission statement
- Trainings and seminars
- Employee newsletter
- Shareholder communications
- Websites
- Annual reports
- Social media posts and blogs
- White papers and case studies
- Advertising, brochures, and sales materials
These are just some of the more common types of corporate communications. There are many more. Even unwritten rules regarding corporate culture norms can fall under the umbrella of corporate communications.
Careers in Corporate Communications
There are a number of career opportunities within this field, and they cover a wide variety of activities within an organization. Typically, the job of communication manager comes to mind when thinking of this type of corporate communications. These professionals maintain most of the communication representing the company. They’re responsible for press releases, media outreach, product announcements, and similar types of communications. The public relations department and its team may handle these kinds of responsibilities, as well. Within the organization, communication managers also develop emails to be distributed throughout the company and create corporate-wide presentations, among other tasks.
Other titles that are considered corporate communications careers include human resources manager, public relations specialist, consumer marketing managers, and consumer insight managers. A common path to obtaining a position in this field involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism. These degrees provide a foundation in communication across various sectors and in a multitude of forms.
This is an overview of the communications profession within companies and organizations. Someone who is proficient in written and verbal communication may enjoy a career within the field of corporate communication.