Five things we learned about where a comms career can take you
Where can a career in communications take you?
A career in communications can take you in directions you might never have expected.
In our recent IABC Queensland online conversation, Jo-Anne Sardi and Anne Moffat joined IABC Queensland Board Member Ariana Tesese to explore career pivots, transferable skills and how a communications background can open doors well beyond traditional comms roles.
From building influence and becoming a trusted advisor to recognising the value of your skills beyond your job title, the conversation offered plenty of practical insights for communicators at every stage of their career.
If you missed the session, here are some of the top takeaways from the conversation.
FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Think about your value, not just your job title
Communicators can sometimes define themselves by the tasks they perform rather than the broader value they bring. Strategic thinking, understanding audiences, influencing, problem-solving and connecting the dots are skills that can translate across many different roles.
2. Reposition yourself as an advisor
As Jo-Anne put it, “I repositioned myself from comms person to advisor.” Moving beyond being seen as the person who delivers communications to someone who provides insight, perspective and strategic advice can change the opportunities available to you.
3. Your comms skills are more transferable than you might think
A communications career builds skills in relationships, storytelling, influence, navigating complexity and understanding people. Recognising those capabilities — and being able to articulate them — can help when considering a move outside a traditional communications role.
4. Relationships and networks matter
The conversation also highlighted the importance of the people you meet throughout your career. Building genuine professional relationships, learning from others and maintaining your network can expose you to ideas, perspectives and opportunities you may not have anticipated.
5. Follow what matters to you
Career decisions aren't always about following a perfectly mapped-out path. As Anne shared, “Real passion can make a difference.” Being curious about what interests you and where you can contribute can take your career in unexpected directions.
Thank you to our speakers
A big thank you to Jo-Anne and Anne for generously sharing their time, experiences and insights with our community, and to Ariana for facilitating such an engaging conversation.
As part of IABC Queensland’s commitment to valuing the contributions of our speakers while also giving back, $100 has been donated to Beyond Blue on behalf of Jo-Anne and Anne.
A few words worth remembering
“Real passion can make a difference.”
— Anne Moffat
“Take a step back and think deeply about the value you add, not just what you do. When you do that, you'll quickly realise that you are FAR more than just comms and you can pitch yourself that way.”
— Jo-Anne Sardi
Whether you're considering your next career move, wondering how to position your experience or simply curious about where your skills could take you, there’s plenty to take away from the conversation.
IABC Queensland members can access the recording of this session. Check your inbox for the link, or request access by emailing iabcqld@gmail.com.
Panellists
Jo-Anne Sardi is Portfolio Lead for Markets, Clients & Growth at BDO in Australia, where she partners with the Chief Client Officer to oversee strategy execution, governance, operations and risk management for a national team supporting more than 340 partners and 3,000 staff. Her career began in corporate communications and during more than a decade has evolved into broader leadership roles spanning strategy, transformation, organisational planning and business operations. Today, she helps translate complex business priorities into practical actions, driving alignment across teams and supporting leaders through growth, change and reputation challenges. Jo-Anne is passionate about the evolving role of communication professionals and how strong communication skills can open pathways into strategic leadership, influence and business decision-making.
Anne Moffat has been the Chief Operations Officer for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads since December 2018, supporting the Director-General with the day-to-day operations of the department. Prior to coming to this role, Anne had 30 years in the state and local government sector, working in senior roles across the infrastructure programming and delivery areas, as well as urban and regional planning. She has delivered several large communication, engagement and policy projects, plus delivery reform agendas. Anne began her career as a professional communicator and holds a Bachelor of Business Communication with Honours.
Facilitator
Ariana Tesese is a Principal Consultant specialising in Marketing and Communications recruitment and a Board Member of IABC Queensland. For the past three years, she’s worked closely with marketing and communications professionals across the industry, getting to know the people behind the roles, their career journeys and experiences. She enjoys building genuine connections within the space and staying close to the people and conversations shaping the industry.
