Networking Roadmap for Comms Pros in Canada

Networking is a vital skill in any industry, but for communications professionals in Canada, it’s not just about making connections – it’s about building a sustainable career community. And, as an immigrant, the first thing I learnt on landing in Canada was that before I even think of applying for jobs in my field of work, i.e. Corporate Communications, I need to network. Not to just build connections, which is a big part of it, yes. But to understand the landscape of the ever-evolving, dynamic and diverse field.

In this article, I am jotting down a tried-and-tested blueprint to networking success, packed with essential strategies, key platforms and organizations to support my fellow communications professionals, which I have learnt over the course of five years! Whether you’re an early-career professional or a seasoned expert, these actionable insights can help you thrive in Canada’s communications industry.

Start local: Tap into your city’s comms scene

Canadian cities, especially hubs like Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, are brimming with communications professionals who can help you find your footing and expand your reach. A great way to start is by joining your city’s chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). With over 700 members in the Greater Toronto Area alone, IABC provides an active platform for networking, professional development and job hunting. Beyond events, IABC’s mentoring programs and specialized panels can guide you in fine-tuning your networking skills and keep you in the loop about emerging industry trends. 

Action points

• Many professionals, myself included, have found that volunteer roles in organizations like IABC can boost visibility and credibility. If you’re new to the scene or wish to take the next step in your career graph, I strongly recommend volunteering with multiple portfolios, like managing event logistics, social media campaigns, or leading a small project. These roles demonstrate your commitment to the industry, provide valuable hands-on experience and showcase your skills to your next potential employer!
• Go for the GCCC certification – add that star to your name.

Join industry-specific associations

Canadian communication community houses a number of industry-specific associations, each bringing unique value to its members:

• Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS): As the leading association for PR professionals, CPRS is known for its training programs, accreditation and annual conference. CPRS members often rave about its mentorship initiatives, which pair early-career pros with established PR leaders who offer tailored guidance and networking tips. CPRS has its own mind-blowing annual conferences and certifications available, which is a must-explore for all PR pros in Canada.

• Content Marketing Institute (CMI): With a rising demand for content-focused roles, the CMI is ideal for those interested in content marketing. Though it’s a global platform, many Canadian professionals connect here for networking, resources, discussions, events and job postings in content marketing. Consider subscribing to this platform to stay tuned with the latest content marketing.

• Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE): For those in the education sector, CACE is the perfect association to get into. It is a national, bilingual organization dedicated to enhancing excellence in communications within the education sector. CACE supports members working in school boards, universities, and education ministries across Canada through conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities. Its mission is to promote teaching and learning with effective communication strategies, increasing awareness of communicators’ critical role in education management.

Action point

Contact a board member according to your niche and start a conversation. Trust me, everyone in these associations is eager to give back, to support you, and to help you achieve your career aspirations. It’s truly amazing to see how many helping hands are out there, waiting to give us the push to take the next step. All we need to do is ask!

Get online

Consider LinkedIn as a platform to post updates and a tool to tell your professional story. For instance, as a communications professional, whether you’re someone born and brought up here or are an immigrant of any nature (student or direct resident), start posting! It could be a post sharing a unique workplace communication challenge you solved or insights from a recent project you managed. Engaging storytelling can get the attention of industry leaders and recruiters alike. 

And once you’ve built a sizable portfolio on LinkedIn, start cold-networking. Aim for the leaders of the companies you wish to work for. Canadian professionals are known for their approachability, so don’t hesitate to reach out with a genuine note about why you’d like to connect. This can lead to informal mentoring relationships or even long-term collaborations. 

Fun tip: Ask them if they could help you learn more about their organization. Please don’t ask for a job right away, but first, take an interest in learning about the organization, its product or service, its work culture, and its people. This also gives us the material for our cover letter when applying for this company.

Attend events and conferences

Events, conferences and workshops are great places to meet new people, add them to your professional network and take the conversation forward. I found EventBrite and LinkedIn to be super helpful in identifying the events most aligned with my career goals. I made some long-lasting, meaningful connections (connections converted into friends, too) who helped me get my first, second and third job opportunities. So go on, get ready, revise your elevator pitch and make your way to your city’s fanciest networking events.

Find a mentor, or be one

Mentorship is the ace card in the networking game, especially in Canada’s communicative and supportive culture. Finding a mentor can help you receive personal career advice, expand your professional circle, and develop new skills. 

And if you’re in a senior role, consider being a mentor. Sharing your journey and insights can help others succeed while enhancing your own communication and leadership skills.

To find a mentor or to become one, you can use the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, IABC Mentorship program, Folio PR Mentorship, PRofessionals & Coffee, and others you will find on LinkedIn, depending on your niche.

SO, GET STARTED!

Networking is an evolving skill, and I’ve seen firsthand how these steps can truly open doors! I’ve tried these strategies myself, and they’ve made a real difference in my journey.

Building a meaningful network here blends in-person and digital connections, continuous learning and an openness to new experiences. By engaging with local organizations, attending events, tapping into online platforms, and reaching out beyond my immediate field, I’ve crafted a roadmap that’s uniquely my own—and it’s worked! 

So, dive in, share your story, and embrace every connection with excitement – Canada’s network awaits, and trust me, it’s worth every moment.