Day: 16 August 2024

In the bustling world of corporate communications, where strategic thinking meets creativity, one professional has carved out a reputation for excellence. With a vibrant blend of qualifications and hands-on experience, Nontuthuzelo Zulu effortlessly navigates the complexities of stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, and reputation management. This dynamic communications specialist has a knack for turning ideas into impactful actions, making her a cornerstone of her organization. Her career journey, marked by unexpected turns and unwavering dedication, offers a compelling narrative of growth, adaptability, and success.

Qualifications and Career Path

Education Background

Nontuthuzelo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Management Science: Communication Management. Her academic journey equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field.

Choosing the Career Path

Reflecting on her career choice, Nontuthuzelo shares, “I would like to say my career chose me. In high school, I wanted to study something that included Law, Politics, and Radio/DJ. I didn’t know what that would look like until I got accepted into a course I did not know about or even applied for, that was BA Communications.”

Career Advice to Her Younger Self

Nontuthuzelo advises her younger self to embrace change and remain flexible. “Don’t be scared to change your mind. Nothing is set in stone; you have the potential to be whoever you want to be, even if you want to pursue multiple careers. Do it, baby girl!”

Essential Skills for the Field

She highlights both hard and soft skills necessary for success in communications. Hard skills include writing and editing, digital marketing, public relations, data analysis, and project management. Soft skills encompass great communication, interpersonal skills, creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and time management.

Advice for Graduates

For those looking to enter the field, Nontuthuzelo advises, “Every organisation needs you! Once your foot is in the door, go be great! Make excellence your brand. From then on, you make the rules and set the standard for those coming after you.”

Job Responsibilities and Industry Insights

Day-to-day Activities

Nontuthuzelo’s role involves numerous meetings with stakeholders, developing communication strategies to support various initiatives, advising on business strategies, event planning, and managing reputations. “The multiple hats you wear as an individual” is a defining feature of her job.

Industry Insights

She clarifies a common misconception about her industry: “We don’t just ‘talk’ for a living. A lot of thinking, strategizing, analysis, and scenario building goes into our day-to-day deliverables. Also, everyone in the organization always needs your expertise.”

Surprises in the Job

When Nontuthuzelo started her current job, the sheer number of meetings and stakeholder engagements was a surprise. “The number of meetings and stakeholder engagements… Wow!”

Future of the Job in the AI Era

Regarding the future of her profession amidst the rise of AI, she is confident. “Effective communication often requires empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence, which AI cannot fully replicate. Also, ethical decision-making requires a human.”

Challenges and Rewards

Job Challenges

The most challenging aspect of Nontuthuzelo’s job is the constant demand for her expertise from various parts of the organization. Juggling multiple responsibilities and projects requires significant effort and strategic planning.

Job Rewards

For Nontuthuzelo, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing her strategies and tactical plans come to life. “Results! Nothing beats seeing your strategies/tactical plans come to life.”

Career Setbacks and Future Goals

Reflecting on career setbacks, Nontuthuzelo believes that staying in an organization for too long can be limiting. She values flexibility for career expansion. This year, her goal is to branch into a different industry.

Personal and Financial Reflections

Reaction of Her Younger Self

Imagining her 10-year-old self’s reaction to her current career, Nontuthuzelo says, “She would be proud! Her curious mind has found an environment where it thrives!”

If Money Were No Object

If money were no object, Nontuthuzelo would focus on investing in early childhood education and development. “Opening a child’s mind to various possibilities enables them to dream beyond the stars. By fostering their ability to dream, we help bridge the gap and allow them to be confident in their potential,” she explains.

Financial Lessons for Kids

Nontuthuzelo underscores the importance of understanding the value of money from a young age. Key lessons include recognizing that money is earned through work and effort, the habit of saving (even just 10%), avoiding debt whenever possible, and remembering to spoil oneself occasionally as a reward for hard work.