Early career internal communications
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Zane Landon, a recent graduate and internal communications specialist at National Geographic. Zane shares his experiences as a new professional in the internal comms field and discusses how internal comms professions can be more accepting and inclusive in bringing new people in.
Zane talks about his move from California to Washington D.C. to start his first entry-level position at National Geographic as an internal communications specialist. He shares his initial fears about moving and starting a new job, but ultimately decided to challenge himself and grow as a professional. Zane also talks about his passion for mental health advocacy and his involvement with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
We also discuss the biggest gap Zane sees in young people when it comes to job experience. Many young people believe that their projects, class assignments, and extracurricular activities are not the kind of experience that employers are looking for. However, Zane believes that if they can connect their experiences to the job description, it speaks volumes about their potential.
Zane’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from his personal experience with mental health issues. He became an advocate for mental health after taking a semester off from school due to his struggles with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Zane got involved with mental health organisations and started a publication called Positive Vibes Magazine, which focuses on positive mental health storytelling.
We also talk about the importance of mentorship in management and how investing in employees’ growth can lead to better outcomes. Zane emphasises the need for managers to have an open-door policy and encourage new employees to ask questions. He also highlights the challenges of being new to a company and the profession, including adjusting to a new company culture and team dynamics.
I commend Zane for his drive, initiative, and passion, which are qualities that most employers seek. It was a pleasure to have him on the show and to hear about his experiences and insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Engaging Internal Comms podcast and leave a review.
Guest profile
Zane Landin is a recent graduate from California State Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Relations. Zane is a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for social justice. He has already worked with brands and organisations like General Motors, SAGE Publishing, and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These experiences have prepared him to be a culturally competent communicator. He recently landed his first job as an Internal Communications Specialist at National Geographic.
Useful links
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/building-a-career-in-internal-comms-s1-e24/
Zane’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/
Guest’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/
PositiveVibes Magazine: https://positivevibesmag.com/