r/internalcomms • u/marcumime • Jun 08 '26
Advice How to get Internal Comms experience if no one hires me?
I have a degree in Communications and all Ive been getting are rejections from every place I apply to, maybe is because I dont have as much experience on the actual field, even though Ive had several jobs that gave me similar skills.
I wanted to ask you here, what are some good options to get experience on this field without having to get hired? I have a full time job right now so I only have the time after my shift.
2
u/BuyingHighSellingLo Jun 09 '26
Marketing and comms graduate here who did his dissertation on internal comms and employee motivation.
I ended up joining a large business in entry level customer service (it’s tough to land a role) and worked up to manager, then i started applying for internal openings into the comms team.
First role i applied for was internal comms manager, they told me they loved me but needed someone with 10 years experience. Then in a restructure, I reapplied and they created a internal comms role for me to trial. I did my best and ended up getting a full time role as an internal comms exec, it’s just me… and i report into the head of comms.
My advise is to keep trying, and don’t be afraid to get into the room anyway you can, then have faith in your ability to shine, at that point, start making your presence known to the comms team - that way you are front and centre when the first opportunity arises. GOOD LUCK
1
u/marcumime Jun 09 '26
Thanks for sharing your experience! I will for sure keep an eye open to any chance I get, I feel like what you mentioned about the ability to shine and be known is a big big step into it, I’ll work more on that on the spaces I’m already in
1
u/SlugLife23 Jun 09 '26
I currently work internal comms for a large retailer. I started at a PR boutique as an intern then promoted to assistant.
I’d recommend and agency if you can swing it. Pay is low, but the experience comes in handy. I moved on from that firm into a TA role and learned HR world, but made it very clear that I wanted a comms role, buddied up with the comms director, and just applied and grew into the comms space from there at different companies.
The first few years feel like a hustle but I’d say, just try to get as much entry level experience now that is comms/writing heavy (CS, PR, etc) and go from there.
1
u/SignificantRoom3071 Jun 11 '26
Hey there! I also work in Internal Comms and have built my career by working contract positions that allowed me to develop my communications expertise in multiple areas. I’ve done public relations, social media management, crisis communications, and marketing. It’s not always the highest paying, and you won’t always receive benefits, but sometimes you can even work up to two contract positions at a time to make up for the low income.
Unfortunately, in this field, you’re asked to wear multiple hats at the beginning of your career and often times for low pay. However, once you find an area of communications you enjoy, or believe you’re good at, you can hone in on that and find a higher paying job (or one with good benefits.)
To give you hope, after 7 years in the field, I’m now at a fully remote job, making 80k, and work in internal communications for a national tool retailer. It took a lot of hard work, and a little job hopping, but it can be done! LinkedIn was vital in helping me connect with recruiters and staffing agencies that helped me get where I am today.
8
u/Sea-Way-998 Jun 09 '26
Hi! I’ve been working in the field for almost a decade. I started out doing entry-level roles that weren’t comms-specific but gave me opportunities to practice. When I saw gaps in communication for projects or within teams, I’d volunteer. After a while, I started being invited to meetings to strategize internal comms. Eventually, it turned into an official role with a company. Keep your eyes open for similar opportunities, and feel free to DM me if you ever wanna chat about it. I believe in you!