The exhilarating and sometimes contentious world of stakeholder
relations offers many career possibilities! Imagine yourself
facilitating discussions with landowners, Aboriginal communities,
and local businesses on sensitive issues, or representing your
company before regulators, industry associations and environmental
groups. Perhapsyou are persuading investors to fund a project.
As a Stakeholder Relations Professional, you will capture the
attention of key stakeholders by communicating clearly and
compassionately. Skills in public speaking, research, meeting
facilitation, and conflict resolution help you navigate the public
consultation process.
Companies invest significant time and money to obtain support
for oil and gas exploration, production and distribution projects.
Stakeholder Relations Professionals create and sustain trust-based
relationships that are vital for business success.
What does a Stakeholder Relations Professional do?
Stakeholder Relations Professionals create and
maintain strong working relationshipswith individuals and groups
that impact the company's success. They havespecializations that
include:
- Investor Relations:
Working closely with the financial community (fund managers,
investment bankers/advisors, analysts, venture capitalists, brokers
and individual investors).
- Public
Relations/Communications: Developing communications and
design events for a wide variety of internal and external
audiences.
- Advisor/Liaison -
Local/Aboriginal Communities: Facilitating an exchange of
information about company plans and providing feedback to other
relevant parties.
- Socio-Economic Impact
Research: Conducting research as to the social and
economic impact of oil and gas projects.
How do I become a Stakeholder Relations Professional?
Stakeholder relations jobs require an in-depth knowledge of
thebusiness world. Post-secondary education is required, and some
ofthe jobs may require specific qualifications. For example:
- A degree or post-secondary diploma in
public relations, communications, journalism or media is typically
required for public relations or communication jobs.
- A degree or post-secondary diploma in
business, finance or communications is typically required for
investor relations jobs. Some employers prefer Masters in Business
Administration graduates.
- A Masters or Ph.D. in social
sciences, anthropology, public policy or environmental studies with
a focus on Aboriginal communities is required for jobs that
specialize in socio-economic impact assessments.
You can also obtain professional designations - an Accredited
Public Relations (APR) designation through the Canadian Public
Relations Society; and an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)
designation through the International Association of Business
Communicators. Visit www.cprs.ca
or www.iabc.com for more
information.
A valid driver's license is also required to perform many of the
stakeholder relationsresponsibilities.
What are the working conditions like?
Stakeholder Relations Professionals mostly work in an office
setting with standard business hours. Some roles require extensive
travel that may involve overnight stays in hotels. You might have
to respond to emergencies or attend evening and weekend meetings.
You may need to relocate to a particular community or geographic
area where you are close to your company operations and the
relevant stakeholders.
Do I fit the bill?
Do you think you have what it takes to become a
Stakeholder Relations Professional?
- I project a positive and professional
image at all times.
- I write well and would enjoy
developing articles, advertising, news releases, and
displays.
- I can think on my feet and provide
credible responses on short notice.
- I pride myself on effective
communication and can adapt my style to different
audiences.
- I try to understand other people's
points of view, especially when different from my own.
- I am skillful at resolving conflicts
and solving difficult problems.
- I can analyse and integrate different
ideas to come up with a new way of looking at a
situation.
- I bring integrity and trustworthiness
to relationships.
- I can work effectively on
cross-functional teams.
- I think a career as a Stakeholder
Relations Professional is exciting, and I'm up forthe
challenge!
Quick tips and next steps!
- Search oil and gas company websites
for investor andcommunity relations information.
- Review the Guide for Effective
Public Involvement and Developing Effective Working
Relationships with Aboriginal Communities at www.capp.ca.
- Browse through regulatory agencies'
websites for information about public engagement and stakeholder
consultation. For example, A Guide to Public Engagement and
Appropriate Dispute Resolution, published by the British
Columbia Oil andGas Commission (OGC) can be downloaded at www.ogc.gov.bc.ca.
- Read recommendations on oil sands
development from Aboriginal Peoples, Métis, members of the public,
industry, environmental groups, and others in reports at www.treasuryboard.gov.ab.ca.
- Research local professional
associations, including the Canadian Public Relations Society
(CPRS), Canadian Communication Association (CCA), International
Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Arbitration and
Mediation Institute of Canada Inc., International Association of
Public Participation (IAP2) and the Canadian Investor Relations
Institute (CIRI).
- Attend career fairs to learn more
about investor relations, economic, social, research,communications
and public relations careers.
Want more info?
For information on other industry occupations check out
www.careersinoilandgas.com.