What is a Career in Corporate Communications? For running a business efficiently, good communication is a must between the management and staff, as well as with the suppliers, investors and customers. Communication plays a crucial role in the conception, implementation, monitoring and reporting on all corporate or business activities. It is through communication that the stakeholders (ie, person, group or organisation that has direct or indirect stake in an organisation) can understand a company’s purpose, goals and values. Until a few years ago, companies or organisations communicated with their employees through internal bulletins and with their customers through press releases. But with global competition of businesses on the rise, the importance of communication has increased manifold and eventually it has become the key factor that determines the success of a company. Major companies or organisations consider communication as an effective tool to expand their business and they live their own communication team with efficient communicators. Here comes the importance of coгpоrаtе communication.
Corporate communication is a management function focused on disseminating information to key constituents and implementing corporate strategies and development messages for interested sections both inside and outside of the organisation. A corporate communicator profile serves as a conscience of the corporate sector and is responsible for building and shaping the brand reputation of the organisation.
Skills Required
A corporate communicator aspirant should have the skills of creating interesting content for readers, potential customers or concerned public for the organisation. They need to understand what purpose social media tools serve and how to make the most of it. They must be adept at innovative content creation. They must also understand what type of stories will attract the target groups of the organisation. One must have the skills of drafting precise and clear content for press releases and must be polite always as he/she may be constrained to work under pressure or provocation. organizational skills are also essential, as the role may involve arranging press conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and events. One must also possess analytical skills to interpret research information and plan activities.
Courses
A formal degree or diploma in the field of mass communication/public relations/advertising, etc., can help one to get an easy access into the sector of corporate communication. Corporate communication is not offered as a separate course. Most courses in corporate communication are offered along with courses in public relations/mass communication. However, specialized programs in marketing communications and media management include topics related to corporate communications. The courses in mass communication, public relations and advertising are offered at the postgraduate, graduate, diploma and certificate levels. Students who have passed 10+2 or equivalent from any stream can enroll for the three-year bachelor’s degree courses.
External and Internal Communication
The term is widely used to describe a variety of management functions related to an organisation’s internal and external communications. Internal corporate communication refers to the communication within an organisation that may include group discussions, motivational activities, and business meetings. conferences, presentations, etc.
The relationship between the employees and the productivity of an organisation can be enhanced by internal corporate communication. External corporate communication is the communication of the organisation with its investors, customers and other corporate entities by means of marketing and advertising. It is through external corporate communication that a company showcases its brand identity to the entire corporate world, through various kinds of advertisements, promotional events and business. proposals can be included in external corporate communication.
Job Profiles
Some of the profiles that are available in the field of corporate communication are applied communication manager, human resource manager, organisational communication specialist, public relations director, media relations manager, director of public affairs, associate programme manager, online editorial director, investor relations manager, government relations manager, etc., to name a few.
Salary
Corporate communication is a challenging and lucrative career option. At the entry-level, a graduate or postgraduate with excellent communication skills can draw a salary between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000. The annual remuneration may rise up to Rs 5 to 6 lakhs with relevant experience of a few years.
Colleges and Universities
The best colleges in the country wherein one can pursue a career in corporate communication are:
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication
- The Delhi School of Communication
- Mudra Institute of Communications
- St Xavier’s Institute of Communications
- YMCA Institute for Media Studies and Information Technology
- Jadavpur University
- Banaras Hindu University
- Jamia Millia Islamia