It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know. When you start a conversation and build a connection with someone new, you never know where it will lead you.
Being part of the IABC community means having access to professional communication tools, resources, and best practices being implemented world-wide. It also connects you to a global community who are always happy to help you grow your career.
Our members come from different career levels; from students and recent communication grads to mid-career professionals and business leaders representing various industries and sectors in Manitoba. We are proud of the talented and diverse community that makes up IABC Manitoba. As part of our Member Month celebrations, we asked some of our new and long-standing members about the impact IABC membership has had on their careers. What did they tell us?
They told us about the importance of professional connections.
“I enjoy connecting with other IABC members about successes and challenges and sharing what we’re doing to elevate employee/internal communications. It’s such a great group of professionals – always willing to help one another. I still connect with members I’ve met at world and Canadian regional conferences over the years,” said Crystal Hiebert, manager of communications at Wawanesa Insurance and a long-standing IABC Manitoba member.
“IABC gives me the insights, connections and experience I need to enhance my career. I especially appreciate the people I have met and worked with to hone my communication leadership skills while having fun,” said Marjorie Huculak, an active volunteer and past president of IABC Manitoba who works in external relations with the Parks Canada Agency.
“When you make the commitment, there is instant access to not only international professionals, but local comms pros who are willing and honestly excited to network, share experiences, and offer genuine support. From my first LinkedIn message with IABC Manitoba president, Jackie De Pape Hornick, I knew this membership would be worthwhile,” said Stacey Ashley, communications officer at Pembina Trails School Division and co-director of IABC Manitoba membership and networking.
They told us about the valuable learning opportunities to grow their careers.
“It was my advertising instructor, Kenton Larsen, who advised me about volunteering with IABC Manitoba, after COVID cancelled my hopes of finding a communications related summer job. I thought it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to learn and network,” said Riley Malinowski, a Public Relations & Communications Management student at Red River College. As one of IABC Manitoba’s newest members, Riley quickly jumped on board to volunteer as IABC Manitoba’s social media coordinator.
“Volunteering with IABC equipped me with the necessary communication skills to do things I love while building connections globally,” said Mekala Wickramasinghe, coordinator of international recruitment and partnerships at MITT and former IABC Manitoba president. In 2018 she won the prestigious IABC Gold Quill award for a multicultural student engagement event she planned at the University of Winnipeg.
“I never imagined the wealth of knowledge, honour, recognition, and life-long connections coming my way when I started. IABC gave me a platform to practice my existing skills and diversify them as a comms professional while keeping up with industry trends,” said Shruti Gupta who joined IABC five years ago as an international student, and continues to gain new skills volunteering as IABC Manitoba’s marketing and communications coordinator. Shruti’s commitment to the organization led to a 2018-19 IABC Manitoba ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award.
Whether you are looking to grow your network or build new skills, there is a place for you with IABC
There has never been a better time to join or renew your membership in the IABC Manitoba community. Use the code IABC20 when you join or renew until April 18, 2021 and you’ll receive a 20% discount on international dues.
Find out more about being a member here including answers to some frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer to your question, email us at iabc.manitoba@gmail.com or reach out to one of our board members directly.
Written by – Shruti Gupta, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, IABC Manitoba