Shifting Gears: Finding Fulfilment in a New Career

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d end up working in internal communications, I probably would have laughed. As a lifestyle journalist, my days were filled with researching trends, interviewing fascinating people, and writing stories for readers to escape into or learn from. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Fast forward to today, and my role couldn’t look more different. Now, I focus on engaging my fellow MB.ioneers (as we call ourselves at Mercedes-Benz.io), promoting company culture, and crafting messages that bring our digital tribe together from the inside out.

Transitioning careers is both thrilling and a bit scary. If you’re anything like I was — wondering if your skills and passions can translate to a new field — let me share a little of my journey. You might be surprised by how much of what you already know and love can carry over.

Why I Made the Switch

I loved my time in journalism and once thought it would last forever. After all, I used to say it was my true calling. Writing about topics ranging from health and wellness to fashion and beauty for various women’s magazines and lifestyle platforms allowed me to connect with readers and to keep learning. However, after several years, I felt as though I’d hit a plateau. Being a journalist in Portugal often means working solo, where you have to be incredibly versatile to compensate for the lack of resources in most media organisations, with little opportunity for career progression. I began to crave more stability and the chance to contribute to a larger, ongoing story rather than constantly switching between topics and audiences. That’s when internal communications caught my eye.

Taking the Leap

One day, while browsing through LinkedIn, I came across an opening for an Internal Communications Intern at Mercedes-Benz.io. Despite knowing I wasn’t the "perfect" (whatever that means) candidate, I believed my profile was interesting enough to at least get a response… and it did! After three rounds of interviews that felt more like informal conversations, I was offered the position and decided to seize the opportunity.

I can already hear you asking: Why on earth would you start over as an intern at a tech company you werent't familiar with? My answer: Why not? A paid internship was the perfect way to learn the ropes without quitting everything to go back to school, and it provided hands-on experience at a globally recognized brand. What more could I ask for?

And that’s how this adventure began. During my few first weeks, everything reassured me that I’d made the right choice, as the company proved to be well-prepared to welcome new joiners. There was a structured onboarding process, a designated buddy to guide me (you can read more about that here), and a checklist of tasks and people to connect with, all of which made the transition much smoother.

Not So Different Worlds

At first, I worried I’d lose the creativity and personal connection I valued so much in my previous work. But I soon learned that internal communications is all about building relationships, connecting with people, and creating a narrative — just within a company rather than for the public. I also realized that many of my existing skills could be leveraged in this new field. Here are a few parallels that stood out to me:

1. Storytelling: Both journalism and internal communications rely on the power of storytelling. In journalism, I learned to find the human angle to connect with readers. In internal comms, I apply this skill to make company updates, policy changes, and achievements meaningful, highlighting their relevance and impact.
2. Segmenting Audiences: Just as I tailored my writing to specific readers as a journalist, in internal comms, I tailor messages to different teams and levels, ensuring the tone and content resonate with each audience. This helps each part of the company feel informed, valued, and connected to the broader mission.
3. Research and Insight Gathering: Journalism taught me to ask the right questions and dig for insights — skills that are just as useful in internal comms. I regularly gather feedback, ensuring our content is authentic and reflects the experiences and needs of our tribe.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: Journalism’s fast-paced nature trained me to be adaptable, a skill I use daily in internal comms. Whether responding to company changes or addressing sensitive issues, I stay focused and adjust quickly, ensuring communication is timely, clear, and supportive of the team’s morale.

Rediscovering Fulfillment & Purpose

Another pleasant surprise has been the challenge of keeping people informed, motivated, and aligned with company values, which has brought new meaning and satisfaction to my work.One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is helping MB.ioneers understand how their performance fits into the bigger picture, while reminding them of the difference their contributions make. It’s not all about work, though! A particularly fulfilling project I’m involved with is our Cultural Spotlights, part of a larger effort to celebrate the 46 nationalities that make up our tribe. In this initiative, I have the opportunity to interview colleagues from diverse backgrounds and share their cultures with the entire company. It creates a dynamic and enriching exchange, where we learn from each other and strengthen our sense of community.

Internal communications also brings plenty of creative challenges, as I explore fresh ways to bring company values to life — whether through interactive newsletters, engaging videos, storytelling campaigns, or by supporting event organization.

How I Made the Transition

Making the transition into internal communications has been a journey of growth, adaptation, and constant learning. Moving into a new field doesn’t mean leaving all your past skills behind; instead, it’s about building on what you already know and adding new expertise to your toolkit. For anyone considering a career shift, here are a few strategies that helped me dive in confidently and make the most of this new path:

• Embrace New Learning Opportunities: While many of my skills transferred over, I knew I needed to deepen my understanding of internal comms strategies. Before starting my new job, I completed a few short, free courses that helped me grasp the nuances of the role. Now that I’m here, I’m pursuing additional certifications through Mercedes-Benz.io's partnership with Udemy Business. No matter if you're looking for a career change or not, growth and development are a never-ending journey
• Network and Seek Mentors: Building a professional network is invaluable during any career transition. I joined various industry-related groups on LinkedIn, reached out to professionals for insights, and asked plenty of questions. Engaging with others in your field can help you understand day-to-day responsibilities and gain insights into common challenges. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with mentors who can offer guidance and support.
• Draw on Your Experience — and Embrace the Change: Trust in the skills and experiences you've accumulated, even if they don’t seem directly related to your new career path. Embrace the unique aspects of your new role and remain open to learning. You’ll likely find that the skills you've developed in previous roles can be adapted and applied in unexpected ways, enriching your contributions in your new position.
• Stay Curious and Seek Feedback: Maintaining a curious mindset is essential for growth. Regularly seek feedback on your work from colleagues and mentors, as it provides valuable insights and fosters improvement. Asking for guidance can also deepen your understanding of your new environment and enhance your ability to adapt effectively.
• Develop a Strategic Mindset: No matter the field, understanding how your work aligns with broader goals is vital. Try to see how each task or project fits into the overall strategy of your organisation. This perspective not only enhances your effectiveness but also positions you as a more strategic contributor to your team.

All This to Say...

If you’re considering a career transition, know it’s absolutely possible — and has the potential to be incredibly fulfilling. The skills you bring, no matter your background, might be powerful tools in any company looking for what you can bring to the table. So take the leap! The transition may be challenging, but it’s a journey worth taking... and you may just find a renewed sense of purpose in this new chapter.