The Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) has just launched this year’s search for the UK’s 30 under 30 extraordinary people who are making a difference in internal communication.
What role do awards like these play? Is there real value in being recognised and therefore in the awards? I’m delighted that IoIC President Suzanne Peck has written for my blog to update us on what’s happening and has included views from some of this year’s class too on what the experience is like, to answer those questions.
If you’ve not come across the awards before, see my previous articles announcing the awards, recognising the winners and following up half way through their winning year. Via The IC Crowd @theICcrowd we have created a Twitter list so you can follow them all. You can follow the IoIC on Twitter @IoICNews.
Have you see the #IoICgems campaign that’s currently running? Internal Comms pros are writing about “The most important thing I’ve learned in internal communication.”
You can read my thoughts on the topic here and also read Suzanne’s article on her most important thing.
Over to you Suzanne…
The first 30 under 30 IC pros
Launching the 30 under 30 in IC search
When the IoIC launched the award last Summer, it was with hope, with passion – and bit of trepidation.
Would there be 30 people out there who stood out, who were the brightest and best of the under-30s and who had what it takes to become future major players in IC?
It turns out there was. More than 30 in fact, which made the selection tougher.
The ‘class of 2013’ (pictured) all deserved to make the list, demonstrating passion, clear outcomes, and they deserved the spotlight.
The award also brought out an element of controversy with online posts shouting ‘it’s ageist!’ and ‘how will the 70 under 70 be recognised? ’What does the IoIC do to recognise talent in other generations?
Fair comments.
My answer then is the same now. The IoIC has well established award schemes to recognise more experienced people; internal communicator of the year; best line manager; best editor/writer/designer/photographer, for example, which have been won over the years by extremely talented, hard-working people – mostly well over 35 and all justly deserved.
With 30 under 30 we’re identifying people just making a start in their IC careers and shining a spotlight on them to highlight their achievements.
Suzanne Peck
You don’t make the list just by applying and being under 30. You’ve got to prove your achievements and convince the judges that you’re influencing and shaping, however small that may be right now.
I believe there are another 30 talented people out there to become the ‘class of 2014’.
This year’s winners will become members of an exclusive network for sharing thoughts, best practice and helping to grow the internal communication profession.
Entries will be judged by a panel of experienced senior practitioners from industry and academia and unveiled at the ‘top 30’ evening reception in London on Thursday 21 November 2013.
There is no charge for entries, and the deadline for submissions is Monday 23 September 23.
You’ve got to be in it, to win it. What do you have to lose?
Here’s what a few of last year’s winners said about making the list:
Andy Bacon, E.ON: “Being named on the IoIC 30 under 30 list has helped me enormously in the last year. We as a group have built a strong network, held regular catch ups to share best practice and tackle individuals’ work related issues. I’ve used the expertise of the group to overcome a hurdle or two.
After the list was revealed I’ve been given more opportunities from my place of work, from taking on higher level projects, attending conferences to presenting at an IoIC regional event.
The increased activity and exposure is boosting my career development in communication and engagement. I’d encourage any young communicator to enter, the possibilities are endless.”
Mathew Butler, @matmakeimedia, Make it Media: “Being recognised as a top IC 30 under 30 has not only helped raise the profile of my business, but has allowed me to network with other dedicated IC professionals. The group has given all of us a great platform to learn and share knowledge.”
Sarah Hodges, @hodgessarah, EY: “I was on the other side of the world when I found out that I had been named in the IoIC’s 30 under 30 list and couldn’t believe my name was featured among some of the top communicators in my age group.
For me, the best part of being in this group has been the networking opportunities it has provided. It’s great to have contacts outside of my work place to share ideas, challenges and bounce ideas off – our combined knowledge and experience is phenomenal. Thanks to our regular face-to-face catch-ups and Yammer group chats, I have been lucky to gain exposure to some innovative, passionate and ambitious communicators, many of whom I hope to work with in the future on some upcoming creative projects. I said in my entry I wanted to build and develop my network across the industry and being named on the list has allowed me to do just that in abundance.”
Post author: Suzanne Peck
Thank you very much Suzanne. I am supporting this initiative because I think it’s good to recognise IC pros, I encourage you to consider putting your team members or people you mentor forward if they fit the IoIC criteria.
How to enter this year’s contest
Entries are invited from those under 30 on 31 December, 2013 who work in the UK IC industry. You can work in-house, for an agency or be freelance. To enter, send in a 60 second video (in a .mov format) in which you tell IoIC why you think you should be on the Top 30 under 30 list. You must also write a 400 word document.
Full information about entering this year’s Top 30 under 30 can be found here
Best of luck, Rachel
