Carine works for the European Commission – Joint Research Centre as an Information and Communication officer. She is based in The Netherlands and was one of our first EU based virtual students who studied with us from Dec 2020 to complete the Masters level CIPR Professional PR Diploma.
Why did you choose to study this qualification?
As I move towards more managerial positions within Communications, I wanted to build on the skills and knowledge gained from studying the CIPR Professional PR Certificate, which I obtained in 2014.
What did you discover about yourself in the process?
I had forgotten how much I dislike doing assignments (LOL)!
Has studying with nesma helped you in your career?
It’s a bit early to say at this point, but people definitely respect you more because you have obtained a Diploma (even if you do not change anything in the way you work). On a personal level, it has certainly increased my confidence at work.
What did you enjoy most about studying?
I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the exchanges with other students. And I found I did actually enjoy preparing for an assignment. I often wished I had more time for the assignments (but I was combining motherhood and a full job alongside my studies, and it was not always easy!). You often start with no-clue-what-to-write. But then speak with colleagues, come up with an idea, conduct more discussions, start reading around the topics, start writing the first sentences, and step by step, get the assignment done to deliver a piece you are thrilled with. That’s very satisfying.
What type of things do you do differently now?
I think my leadership skills woke up because of these studies. It gave me a boost to re-arrange my team around me. It empowered me to stand up for what I think communication should be in my organisation, and say loud and clear what resources I think we need to carry out the minimum PR and communication activities.
What words of advice would you give anyone considering a career in PR/Comms?
I can only encourage people to consider a career in Comms, and I think you need to be dynamic, open-minded, creative, able to cope with stress, a good planner, able to work in a team, a good listener and a good speaker and if you have all that, a career in Comms is a good idea. The job is never dull, and there’s never a dull moment.
What are the significant changes within your industry at present?
Digitalisation presents a radical change, but in the last 2-3 years, maybe thanks to the COVID lockdowns, we have increased the use of digital technology, and staff have adjusted to the new situation. The main challenge now is getting everyone back to the office while keeping hold of the advantages digitalisation has given us.
What do you enjoy most when you aren’t doing the day job?
I love spending time with my family and enjoy outdoor sports, music, and literature.
The CIPR Professional PR Diploma is a level 7 qualification, taught at Masters’s level which is the ideal qualification for experienced PR practitioners who are looking to progress their career in communications with an industry-recognised qualification.
