In February, we welcomed Camille Becu to our team. Camille is a junior advisor and trainer at PM. You can turn to her for communication advice and immediate assistance in integrated crisis management. Additionally, she prepares companies for practice through various trainings, workshops, and exercises. Internally, Camille is also involved in PM’s marketing communication. Robbert asked her a few questions.
Robbert: What is your background?
Camille: I began my education with a bachelor’s degree in communication management from Artevelde university of applied sciences Ghent. During this bachelor’s program, I acquired a broad range of communication skills, from developing communication strategies and copywriting to graphic design. My interest in crisis communication led me to the PR and reputation management specialization, where the focus was on storytelling, media strategies, crisis communication, internal and change communication, spokesperson roles, employer branding, and reputation monitoring.
After completing my bachelor’s, I wanted to take my knowledge to the next level. Therefore, I decided to pursue a bridging program for a master’s in communication sciences at Ghent University. This master’s program enhanced my academic and research skills. The course exposed me to marketing communication, corporate communication, social marketing, and government communication. During the master’s program, I gained practical experience through an internship in a strategic corporate setting.
Robbert: Why crisis communication?
Camille: My interest in crisis management and communication became evident during my PR and reputation management specialization. Crisis communication fascinates me because of the dynamics and challenges that often come with extraordinary and stressful situations. The ability to respond quickly, strategically, and effectively, with immediate results and impact, provides me with great satisfaction. I am intrigued by how organisations learn from best/lessons learned from crises. Small adjustments or nuances in crisis communication can make a significant difference in how the crisis is perceived. Crisis communication and management is a dynamic field. The crisis situations and issues evolve with societal problems and technological developments, which makes it even more interesting.
With small adjustments or nuances in crisis communication, you can make a significant difference in how the crisis is perceived.
Robbert: How did you end up at PM?
Camille: During my master’s program in communication sciences, I attended a guest lecture by Stijn on the general principles of crisis management and communication. That’s when I got to know PM. I remember being very impressed by the fact that PM offers activities and services exclusively focused on all phases of the crisis timeline. As my studies were coming to an end and I was preparing to enter the job market, PM stayed on my mind.
Robbert: What are your interests outside of crisis communication?
Camille: I get energized from going for a run or being around people, preferably with a coffee, enjoying an aperitif, or having a nice meal. I also enjoy taking the time to cook or bake something delicious.
