Stephen Martin
Mass Communications Student - QUT
ABOUT ME
I believe everyone has a story to tell.
Today more than ever mass communication plays an intrinsic part in these stories. With technology revolutionising modern workplaces, I believe that it is important to be open, honest and respectful when communicating with mass audiences. I have always found myself drawn to opportunities that allow me to engage directly with people. My passion for helping people tell their stories and the changes in how we communicate has inspired me to pursue a degree in Mass Communication at QUT. Utilising knowledge that I develop in my degree, I wish to make contributions in corporate social responsibility (CSR), crisis management, stakeholder engagement or non-for profit advocacy opportunities.
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In stakeholder engagement, I believe it is imperative to build trust and loyalty, to actively engage with the community. 21st century communication platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have the potential to facilitate better community engagement. These types of mass communication platforms enable different viewpoints to be heard as more individuals engage with an issue or topic. I find the opportunities offered by these platforms have exciting potential to generate dialogue between wider audiences, allowing us to actively listen to concerns and show respect to those with different views. I believe it is important to take ownership and accountability for the work I do, especially when there is room for improvement. These values are the cornerstone of all relationships that I develop. It is not what I say, but how I follow through that will define me as a Mass Communications professional.
As an employee representative in Queensland Rail, I participated in workplace negotiations, which revolved around changes to employee entitlements and working conditions. As part of my role, I facilitated a collaborative group conversation, providing affected staff with a private and safe process to communicate their concerns or suggestions. Through discussions with colleagues and management I demonstrated tenacity to achieve equitable and fair outcomes for all parties, which gave me an appreciation for the power of effective workplace communication. This experience informed my senior role at Bupa Health Insurance where I mentored and trained inexperienced staff in my capacity as a senior Health Support Consultant. I resolved on the spot questions, followed up with staff when they were unsure of new processes, provided additional one on one coaching and helped bridge any skill gaps that were identified.
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My experiences have inspired me to want to create a culture of open dialogue and communication between management and employees with a goal of improving organisational performance in future professional roles. I firmly believe that when an employer can effectively communicate organisational change and acknowledge the value of their employee’s contributions, employees feel more valued and have a better understanding of their role within the organisational structure. My contribution as a Mass Communications professional will be to empower people with the tools they need to share their story with the world.
AT A GLANCE
