This monthly series gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a comms professional.
Meet Jacqueline Johnson Quaye, a Communications and Brand Lead at DreamOval Foundation, Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) Programme and Women Educators in Internet and Technology (WEITech) Programme. She leads external communications for the Foundation’s programmes, including initiatives that help students solve community problems through STEM and projects that equip female educators with digital skills for improved learning outcomes.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday depends on the season we are in.
Currently, we are preparing for a pitching and judging event under our GSTEP programme, where students pitch their inventions to a panel of judges.
My day starts with checking emails and my to-do list from the previous day.
Because we are in a peak season, there are many meetings. For example, I recently had a planning meeting with my team to discuss communications for the event, including branding materials, emails, and profiling.
I also had calls with our photography and videography consultants to update them on event dates and venues.
Part of my day also involves reviewing communication materials, giving feedback on artworks from our designer, and preparing newsletters for stakeholders.
When we are implementing programmes physically, work can involve radio interviews, event coordination, managing branding, photography, and overseeing the communications side of events.
My work life in communications changes depending on whether we are planning, preparing, or actively implementing programmes.
What tools or apps do you use most for your job, and why?
A lot of my work focuses on managing and reviewing communications activities.
I use Google Alerts a lot because we work with many stakeholders, and I like to track conversations around DreamOval Foundation and our programmes.
I also use the Google Suite extensively for meetings, writing documents, and reviewing materials.
My coordinator handles a lot of the implementation and social media side, whilst I focus more on reviewing and approving communications materials.
Do you have any specific routines or habits that help you prepare for work?
Because we run two very different programmes and engage different stakeholders, the first thing I usually do is check my to-do list.
I section my to-do list into three parts:
- What I am doing for the Foundation as a whole
- What I am doing for the GSTEP programme
- What I am doing for the Women Educators in Internet and Technology programme
I write down everything that needs to be done, then immediately check my emails, because communications involves processing and sending a great deal of information.
My team and I also have weekly meetings every Wednesday where we discuss creatives, pending tasks, and feedback.
Once I am done with my tasks, I like to take breaks and move around the office. I am a very social person, and I believe interacting with people helps me gather ideas on how to make communication better in the workplace.
We work in a hybrid structure, so we are physically in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays, whilst the rest of the week is virtual. Because of that, I make it a point to connect with people in person when I can.
I also do a lot of social listening on LinkedIn to stay updated on trends in the non-profit and communications space.
If you were not in communications, what career path would you explore?
Before communications, I actually worked in the media for about six years.
I worked as a field reporter, an online TV host, an entertainment website writer, and a red carpet entertainment host.
So if I were not in communications, I would probably return to media, although not necessarily as a reporter.
If I had to leave the media and communications world entirely, I think I would explore acting. People always tell me I look like an actress, just like Jackie Appiah.
I also think I would enjoy academia, because whilst doing my Master’s in Strategic Communications, I realised I really enjoy learning, research, and teaching others.
What is your favourite way to relax after work?
I am very much a music and entertainment person.
I love Amapiano and Afro House music. Once I get home, I put on my playlist and listen to music.
On weekends, I enjoy relaxing with popcorn, yoghurt, and Korean dramas. I am always watching one series or another.
At the end of a busy week, one of my favourite things to do is simply sleep and rest.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting out in communications?
My first piece of advice is to find your passion for communications.
Communications can be very demanding and exhausting. There are days when you have urgent tasks, issues to manage, and unexpected work that can feel overwhelming.
Passion is what keeps you going on those difficult days. It is what drives you to create campaigns and projects that you feel proud of when people appreciate the results.
Secondly, you need a mindset of continuous learning.
It is not just about taking courses, but about applying what you learn. Volunteer your skills where possible, whether in your organisation, church, or community. That is how you build experience, relevance, and credibility.
Lastly, I would encourage young professionals to take advantage of communities like The Comms Avenue. My transition from media into communications became easier because of my membership in The Comms Avenue. I joined in 2022 and was part of the mentorship programme, and was paired with a mentor in the UK who was very supportive.
There are so many learning opportunities within the community, and I genuinely believe it can be a game changer for young professionals trying to understand and grow within the communications industry.
