For those looking to pursue a career in social media or digital communications, it’s worth remembering that 10 years ago these jobs barely existed. Meanwhile, experts suggest that up to 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 may not have even been invented yet.
“When I first started in communications, social media didn’t exist at the United Nations,” said Béatrice Frey-Obolsky, who was part of the “first generation” of U.N. social media managers.
With this in mind, for those pursuing similar roles, it’s important to focus on building a broad skill set that can help you succeed regardless of changes in the job market. Among these skills, “writing and editing skills, partnership management, political acumen, and leadership skills,” were those Frey-Obolsky found most valuable. She also highlighted the importance of “strategic thinking, time management, planning, and organizational skills,” as they can help “keep a bird's-eye view and prioritize amidst an overwhelming and never-ending cycle of social media,” Frey-Obolsky told Devex.
About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
