‘Your PR career doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s journey’

Name: Adedoyin Jaiyesimi
Job title and company: Communications adviser and co-founder of The Comms Avenue
Location: Nigeria
Time in PR: 13 years 

What does your current role involve?
Providing strategic counsel to senior leaders and organisations on how to effectively leverage communications to achieve organisational outcomes, build thought leadership and improve reputation. I develop communications strategies and provide guidance on implementation for in-house communications teams. I also upskill comms professionals, executives and employees through training on different communications competency areas, as well as branding, public speaking and media training. 

What do you love most about working in public relations?
Developing strategies that help organisations to solve pressing organisational problems. I also get to learn as I engage with clients across different industries which has helped me to better understand how communications principles apply within different contexts. Finally, I love the fact that I get to expand my network meaningfully and meet so many amazing people from across the world. 

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
I’ve had so many highlights in my career journey, from successfully managing communications for a pan-African development organisation to overseeing the rebranding project for a renowned organisation. I think the biggest highlight for me, however, is being able to support young communications professionals across Africa to find clarity and fulfilment in their career journeys.  

How long have you been a member and what made you join?
Almost a year. One major thing that attracted me to the CIPR is the availability of vast training and resources materials in different PR and communications competency areas. Access to these valuable resources and a strong professional network of colleagues from across the world led me to join the CIPR. 

How does the CIPR support your career?
The first is through continuous professional development (CPD). There are so many valuable resources and guides from the CIPR which have helped me significantly in my career. I have also benefited from CIPR’s live and on-demand training. The training on data-driven communication helped me to develop data-driven strategies with outcomes that can be effectively measured. Lastly, the frequent webinars have been a good way to gain up to date knowledge. Next stop for me is Chartership. 

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
Your career journey does not have to be linear, and it doesn’t have to look like someone else’s career journey. Be as flexible as possible when you navigate your career journey. Learn from the experiences and wisdom of those who have gone ahead but give yourself room to go through your own process. In due time, you will get to your desired destination as you work diligently and purposefully. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JOINING THE CIPR  

Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.