Unlocking professional potential in management communication
Student highlights from the Socially Mobile programme include developing new skills, a professional network, and the flexibility of the learning environment.
We caught up with seven students from the latest Socially Mobile cohort ahead of results day to find out how they got on with the programme. They all highlighted the programme’s value in enhancing their professional knowledge and skills.
The purpose of Socially Mobile is to help mid-career public relations practitioners gain management expertise. Through support and funding, Socially Mobile delivers training to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as well as under-represented and under-served groups.
The development of a professional network is an important aspect of the programme. Students said that they appreciated the connections they made with professionals in their field and relationships with peers.
The Socially Mobile community includes staff, teachers, and the hosts of live sessions. We appreciate their support and the additional support of assessors and examiners.
Finally, the flexibility and accessibility of the Socially Mobile programme are highlighted as key features. This is important for those managing personal responsibilities alongside work and their learning and development.
Paid and funded applications for Socially Mobile are open for the final cohort of 2023. The deadline is 20 August. The schedule runs from 18 September to 29 November. Hit the button on the top right of the homepage to apply.
Beth Broomby
Beth is head of news and research communications at Lancaster University.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
I’m a parent of a young child with a disability. Consequently, the last ten years have been a wobbly balancing act, prioritising the demands of a full-on but exciting job and hospital and therapy appointments. Development and learning came lower down the list of my priorities.
I’m from a working-class background and the values of this course spoke to me. My employer generously funded the place, and I’m double delighted to have gained so much and be giving back.
What are your highlights from the programme?
Live sessions with inspirational leaders from our profession at my kitchen table. What a privilege. Support and encouragement from the cohort and Socially Mobile leaders has been life-enhancing. I’d encourage anyone who needs to find their tribe to sign up.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career
Communication and public relations can sometimes be a lonely place. Often, we are the only voice in the room expressing a different view. Completing this course feels like having an invisible army of skilled professionals at my back nudging me forwards.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
Please apply if you feel you might not fit at the top table!
If you need to find your people, definitely apply!
If you lack confidence, totally apply!
We made it smarter and wiser. We're here waiting to cheer the next cohort on.
Fiona Capel
Fiona is marketing and customer insight manager at Wolverhampton Homes.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
I felt I’d lost some confidence in what I do over the past few years, moving from large agencies to manage an in-house team. I applied to broaden my strategic knowledge, learn new skills, expand my professional network, and with the longer-term aim of developing my career.
What are your highlights from the programme?
The range and quality of the speakers and topic leads involved in the programme. You would need to get tickets to every sector conference in the UK for a year or more to access the knowledge and scope we saw in our sessions! They have all been so generous with their time and expertise, so the quality of the learning has been fantastic.
My cohort is another highlight - having that small group to bounce ideas off and share challenges with has been an unexpected win from the programme.
Finally, the live sessions with Sarah and Stephen Waddington, which were open houses for any questions, challenges, or topics, helped me feel supported.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
The programme is already impacting my work, and I’m approaching challenges and projects far more strategically. I’m actively using what I’ve learnt every day and I feel far better equipped to demonstrate the value of the work I do.
I have got my confidence back which will help me to perform more effectively and support my career progression.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
I’d recommend Socially Mobile to anyone working in comms who feels barriers are preventing them from reaching their career goals. The programme would be helpful if you are self-employed, a sole practitioner within an organisation or in a small team, as you get access to new concepts and frameworks with open discussion to develop your knowledge, which can be difficult otherwise.
Sarah Upali
Sarah is a communications manager at the NHS Confederation in London.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
I applied for the programme to increase my confidence, deepen my tactical and strategic knowledge, and extend my network. I had heard great things about the programme and wondered if it was for me. I’m so pleased that I applied.
What are your highlights from the programme?
The Polpeo crisis communications live simulation was fantastic. The content modules and masterclasses are delivered by experts in their field, which was incredibly motivating and inspiring. The support provided through regular check-ins, the Guild community platform, and the amazing cohort I've been part of.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
It has made a huge difference already to my mindset. It’s helped me to think more strategically about work, leadership, and my networks. I've connected with amazing people and felt encouraged, supported, and challenged.
I've gained practical actions to apply to my role and working life. It has been a huge confidence boost.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
I cannot recommend the programme enough. If you are sitting on the fence, wondering if it’s for you, my advice would be, do it! It has genuinely been one of the best learning programmes I've been on – huge thanks to Stephen and Sarah Waddington, and the Socially Mobile community.
Josephine Graham
Josephine leads marketing and communications for Start for Life, Early Help and Prevention and Family Hubs at Bradford Council.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
I applied to Socially Mobile as a woman returner - even though my son is nine, I still feel the challenge of combining work and career progression with family life.
There were also other factors I detailed on my application form. I had heard great things about the transformational aspect of the course, and that it would consolidate my knowledge, increase my confidence, build my network, and help me take the next step.
What are your highlights from the programme?
I have not been disappointed - the course lived up to expectations. Every week has been interesting, and all the teachers are impeccable. It has been fantastic to connect with some of the experts we heard from, and I will continue to do so.
A highlight has been the discipline of rigorous reflection through the weekly assignments - digging deep into a topic has worked well for my learning style.
It has also been brilliant to meet new peers from the industry - the cohort have been so supportive of each other, and I look forward to meeting people in real life at the graduation.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
It has made me think more strategically about what I want from my career and how to get there. The section about personal brand was particularly helpful. There is such a comprehensive breadth to the modules. It has helped me consider what I enjoy the most and where I want my specialism to lie in the future.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
Some people seem to glide through their careers with doors magically opening for them, while for others, you feel like you are constantly banging on closed doors. If you are one of those people knocking but not getting in, this course will give you a personal set of keys to help you unlock those doors and stride forward.
It is still up to you to take those course steps - but the learning on the course is all about making it possible.
Kelly Quigley-Hicks
Kelly is communications manager at the Association of Electoral Administrators in Staffordshire.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
Advocates for the programme kept popping up in my social media timelines - people I trust and have professional respect for. They had nothing but good things to say, and after a couple of chats, I took the plunge.
What are your highlights from the programme?
As a parent carer of a disabled child, the flexibility of the format also appealed to me. More traditional courses are harder to make work. With Socially Mobile being online and most of the course being on-demand, I've been able to fit it around my work and home life - although it's meant being very disciplined.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
I wanted to stretch myself, fill management and leadership skill gaps I knew I had and put new learning to work. Every box has been ticked, and more. It must be the camaraderie of the cohort and the people who have taught us. The range of on-point practitioners delivering lectures and masterclasses is brilliant. Some have literally written the book.
It's been great to reconfirm what I know, plus build on that with a concentrated development boost. I also have a better idea of areas I both need to and would like to investigate more deeply. I'm thinking more broadly - and feeling more confident professionally - than I have in a long time.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
Anyone who wants to look wider, do more and reach their potential. If something is holding you back, either professionally or personally, this programme could help you reset and find a new resolution. You have nothing to lose by applying.
Kayleigh Reghif
Kayleigh is communication officer and video producer for the Transforming Cities Fund programme at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
Having returned to work from having my second (and final!) child, I felt like I'd been languishing in my career a little. I wanted to learn more about the industry, grow my confidence and get some friendly and useful connections.
What are your highlights from the programme?
I found Farzana Baduel’s masterclass on storytelling so fascinating - it's something I want to investigate more. I loved learning so much in such an accessible way, and it was also great to get to know the rest of my cohort on Guild - they're a great bunch of people.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
I've already noticed the difference in my confidence - I'm much more secure in my professional knowledge, so I'm more assertive at work. Plus, by taking the initiative to do this outside of work, I've been recognised as taking learning seriously.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
This programme would benefit anyone in public relations - such a wide range of topics can be applied to most, if not all, roles. As someone not yet in a managerial role and with two small children, I was a little daunted about whether it would be too much for me, but it's both accessible and challenging, which I think works so well.
Casey Spence
Casey is marketing and communications officer at Team Fostering in North Shields.
Why did you apply for the programme, and what did you hope to achieve?
I wanted to formalise some of my public relations and business experience, but more importantly, to develop my confidence levels and kick the backside of imposter syndrome! I've felt very 'locked in' to one stage of my career for a while, and I hoped the programme would give me the push I needed to get past it. Being a woman of colour, neurodivergent and working class makes me want to fight even harder to leap those hurdles, and I knew this programme would support that.
What are your highlights from the programme?
I'll not be alone in saying that the programme was challenging, but in a way that felt like a huge boost when you passed a module.
I enjoyed the change management module more than I expected, and the planning and leadership modules really inspired me.
I must also mention the support of our cohort, who were so kind and so warm to one another throughout the programme that any challenges always felt surmountable. We all celebrated each other’s achievements - it’s been a very positive group to have around me.
It's early days, but what difference has it made to your work and future career?
It has already made me think about what's next on the horizon; it has given me the push I knew I needed, and I'm starting to apply for opportunities that I always thought were out of my reach. I'm entering the next career stage with a fully stocked toolkit.
Who would you recommend applies for the programme?
Anyone who thinks they can't do it! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to sustain the programme's pace, but it's structured in a manageable way. It does nudge you out of your comfort zone, and it's not always easy to get your head around some of the topics, but the programme doesn't feel overwhelming, even on top of your day job and other responsibilities. You'll surprise yourself, I'm sure of it.
