The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Employee Communications Specialist (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering content creation for specific channels, managing content calendars, basic analytics reporting, and supporting larger campaigns. You'd be owning a channel before moving to owning a programme.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering high-quality, error-free content on time.
- Proactively identifying opportunities to improve channel engagement.
- Successfully managing stakeholder feedback for routine communications.
- Demonstrating initiative in taking on more complex tasks.
- 2
Junior Communications Manager (External Focus)
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding external media relations, public relations strategy, and brand messaging. The transition here would involve shifting from an external to an internal audience focus, learning to tailor messages for employees.
You're ready to move on when
- Strong understanding of brand voice and messaging.
- Ability to translate external strategy into internal context.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A keen interest in employee engagement and organisational culture.
- 3
HR Business Partner / HR Generalist
4-5 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of HR policies, employee relations, and talent management. This path would involve transitioning into a communications role with a strong HR foundation, bringing a unique employee-centric perspective.
You're ready to move on when
- Excellent understanding of employee needs and concerns.
- Experience advising managers on sensitive employee topics.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills honed in HR.
- A desire to focus on broader organisational messaging rather than individual HR cases.