A Day of Insight and Connection
This year, Deutsche Telekom had the privilege of hosting the Volo Summit for the Young Minds 4 Comms (YM4C) network. The event truly felt like a summit, serving as a platform for meaningful exchanges among volunteers from various companies passionate about communications. Rather than a typical career fair, this gathering emphasized the richness of diverse journeys into the communication field.
Individual Career Paths
What may have started as a conventional career event shifted to heartfelt discussions revealing that today’s careers in communications are rarely linear. Some attendees launched directly into internships, while others opted for a roundabout route, engaging in agencies or pursuing further studies before finding their niche. This theme of non-template careers emerged throughout our conversations, showcasing the individuality of each participant’s journey.
Engaging Facilitations
Kick-started by Deutsche Telekom volunteer Jana, the summit fostered an environment of equality where every voice mattered, regardless of background or future aspirations. Whether seasoned in their roles or fresh to the field, all attendees benefited from shared experiences. Presentations from colleagues at Siemens, Beiersdorf, and OTTO highlighted the varying nature of the Volo experience, emphasizing that while we each contribute to communication in unique ways, our collective goal remained clear: fostering connections and understanding.
The Importance of Courage in Communication
We also had the chance to hear from industry experts like Head of Communications Philipp Schindera, who welcomed junior staff, along with Stephanie Tönjes and Karim Cheranti, who spoke on leveraging social media for creative freedom at Telekom. They stressed that bravery is essential in digital communication—embracing bold ideas and learning from failures. Tönjes encapsulated this perfectly: “Don’t just build a network; use it.” This sentiment resonated throughout the day, underlining the importance of dialogue in crafting successful careers.
AI and Communication: A New Paradigm
A thought-provoking discussion led by Alexander Derno tackled the role of AI in communications, debating whether it serves as a curse or a blessing. The conversation focused on how AI can enhance our work, streamline processes, and help in content generation while acknowledging that it lacks emotional and contextual understanding. Thus, the essence of communication still relies on empathy, perspective, and personal touch.
Valuable Perspectives from Experiences
In the afternoon, participants gathered in small groups to openly voice concerns and questions, such as navigating uncertain career paths. The diverse responses highlighted the various experiences each had, reinforcing that while our routes may differ, clarity and new perspectives can be discovered through dialogue.
Real-Life Career Guidance
Wrapping up the summit, Thomas Lüdeke and Johannes Maisack discussed career progression, emphasizing that a career is a series of decisions, not a linear trajectory. Each choice, whether significant or modest, can enhance our professional and personal growth. Ultimately, it’s about pursuing the path that resonates with you, proving that careers without templates can lead to fulfilling journeys.
