Definition of international communication
International communication represents all the strategies put in place by a company to make itself known on the international market. The aim is to promote products or services in the four corners of the globe. To achieve this, international communication uses several channels. These must be adapted to the national cultures of the target country.
Companies with an international presence benefit from a higher profile and a positive image. However, launching an international communications campaign requires the right resources (human, material and financial). More and more students are choosing to study international communications. But what are the advantages of working in this sector?
Why work in international communications?
Ongoing development
Communication evolves in line with needs and technological innovations. Hence the need for constant innovation in line with competition and the international market. Working in international communication requires a certain amount of general knowledge to adapt to national customs.
Creative people are better at communicating. A vivid imagination is needed to convince more employees to join the company network. Communication strategy requires a certain tact to work with people from different backgrounds.
Choosing your own living environment
Working in communications gives you a degree of flexibility. You are free to work for yourself or to join a communications company. Graduates in international communications generally start their careers in SMEs. These companies need a solid communications tool to stand out from the competition. Some of these companies recruit experts in digital marketing or 3D animation, for example.
Communication is a profession that requires a certain amount of passion, because it is constantly on the move. These journeys provide an opportunity to meet new people. It’s a great way to learn and to keep a positive mindset. Finally, open-mindedness is essential if you are to build solid, reliable partnerships all over the world.
Role and tasks of a person working in international communication
Those who work in international communications play a decisive role. Their main task is to manage the organisation’s internal and external communications. This involves defining the best communication policies adapted to the needs of the company and its customers.
Among the questions they must constantly ask themselves:
- Which communication channels should be favoured (social networks, media, trade fairs, blogs, website, etc.)?
- What are the most effective information media (billboards, magazine articles, films, sponsorship, advertising campaigns, etc.)?
- how do you create strong links between the brand, the media and consumers?
- where to find potential partners?
- how to improve the company’s communications policy, etc.
International communications professions
The professions involved in international communications are many and varied. But to give you a flavour of the profession, let’s take a look at three concrete examples:
- The brand content manager‘s role is to promote the company’s brand image both internally and externally. They work hard to build a relationship of trust with the press and media;
- The digital communications manager looks after the digital side of things: managing social networks, maintaining the computer network, producing digital content, etc. He or she also manages relations with web service providers and monitors traffic to the company’s website;
- Media planners prepare media plans designed to enhance a company’s brand image. They work closely with journalists and radio and television personalities. They liaise between advertisers and advertising sales agencies.
Qualities and skills needed to work in international communications
Working in international communications requires :
- strong interpersonal skills. You will be working with people from all over the world. These partnerships will be essential in developing your international activities;
- The best international leaders are those who manage to establish themselves abroad thanks to their charisma;
- be a source of ideas. Developing a positive international image requires constant creativity;
- good writing skills: in addition to oral communication, expanding networks requires solid written skills. This reflects the company’s level of professionalism.
The list is not exhaustive.
International communication at Supdepub
Supdepub offers several programmes (in French and English) in international communication. Courses range from first year to fifth year and can be done on a sandwich basis. The institute awards state-recognised diplomas and students are supported by experts throughout their course.