- Name: Samantha Pollock
- Age: 28
- Current location: Thornbury, Ontario, Canada
- Home town: Elora, Ontario, Canada
- Education: Bachelor of Journalism
- Current position: Marketing and Communications Specialist, Freelance
- Bio: Samantha Pollock started working in international communications while she was still studying for her journalism degree. A fruitful chance meeting led to her working in Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela. Since then she's also worked contracts in Haiti, Thailand and the Philippines, building relationships with with the United Nations, through UNOCHA, and NGOs such as Rescue Global.
- Countries I've worked in: Philippines, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, Haiti, Thailand
- Sector / subsectors: Media, Communications, International Development, Humanitarian Relief.
- Areas of expertise: Communications, Disaster Relief, Non-Profit, Marketing, International NGOS.
- Country: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela
- Region: North America, Caribbean, South America, Asia, East Asia
- Sector: Communications, Humanitarian, International development
- Degree subject: Journalism
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Who are you and what do you do?
Meet Samantha Pollock. She's a communications professional - but not like any other you've probably heard of. She describes flying into the Philippines in the wake of typhoon Yolanda.
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So what would an average day there be like?
An average communications specialist creates press releases and outward-facing information. Samantha was responsible for creating information for survivors on how and where to receive aid and maintain clean water.
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This is unlike any communications role I've heard about before. Can you tell us about the challenges?
From dodging flood waters on your way to work, to not having electricity - it's a completely different nature of communications in a disaster relief zone.
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You mentioned resourcefulness as vital in these post-disaster environments. Can you give an example of a success story, of something that worked well?
When literacy isn't a given, and radio accessibility isn't a given, and posting signs isn't a given, you've got to get creative.
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How did you get to where you are? Tell us about your career trajectory.
Samantha was offered a job by a man she met in Ottawa, that ended up with her travelling to Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Argentina and Venezuela, as a communications officer.
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You talked to us about challenges as far as resources. What are the challenges when it comes to working interculturally and cross culturally?
From extreme homesickness to wishing for a magical language translator.
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What do you enjoy the most? What's the best part of this work?
Samantha describes a moment when it "feels like your heart is going to explode" - it's a good thing, we swear.
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Anything else you want to add?
Samantha wanted to better understand the current refugee crisis, and headed to Macedonia to see it firsthand.
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What abilities and skills do you need to succeed in this field? Do you have examples?
Samantha talks about the challenges of picking up litter in Haiti.
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Any more examples?
Samantha gives an amazing example of the skill she says is a 'must'.
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What was your entry point into this field and what tips do you have?
Communication, communication, communication.
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You have an undergraduate degree. Is formal education a necessity in this field?
"You can turn anything into a career internationally."
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What are your best tips for networking?
Samantha swears she isn't a creep - but tells a story about how she found a great contact and opportunity.
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Are there misconceptions about your field?
Samantha warns that you might not be welcomed with open arms from the communities you're helping, and why your co-workers may not be who you expect.
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Is there a work-life balance in this field?
Samantha talks about how the traditional questions about relationships and starting families will affect your career decisions.
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What's your best advice for someone looking to do this type of work?
Samantha shares her best tips for finding jobs.
