SURVEY: The future of professional development

A message from our partners at the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence:

The future of communication depends on one thing – your development

If you want to thrive in 2025 and beyond, here’s the harsh truth: standing still is not an option.

Communication professionals are expected to be strategists, storytellers, advisors, and now – AI-savvy digital experts. The stakes are higher than ever. Organizations need communication leaders who can navigate complexity, drive meaningful conversations, and prove their impact.

That’s why professional development isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s an absolute necessity.

Last year, our research with Haiilo uncovered that professional development is the #1 investment priority for communication professionals in 2025.

But identifying a priority isn’t enough. We need to go deeper. That’s why we need for you to take this survey.

Why we’re doing this survey

We need to understand what’s actually happening inside organizations:

• What skills are most in demand?
• What barriers prevent communication professionals from accessing the right training?
• What resources make a real difference?

While organizations recognize the need to invest in their communication teams, professionals often struggle to get the resources and development opportunities they actually need. Budgets are tight, and too often, training is seen as an expense rather than an investment.

This needs to change.

What we hope to learn 

This survey will uncover the realities of professional development in our field – what’s working, what’s missing, and where organizations should focus their investment.

Who should participate? 

We want to hear from communication professionals at all levels—whether you’re leading strategy, managing teams, or working on the front lines of communication. Your insights will help us advocate for the development opportunities that truly matter.

What we’ll do with the results 

We’re not just collecting data – we’re turning insights into action. The findings will shape future training programs, resources, and strategic initiatives designed to equip communication professionals with the skills they need – not just to survive, but to lead.

This isn’t just about us. At the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence, we work alongside global partners who share our commitment to helping communication professionals thrive. Together, we’ll use these insights to advocate for meaningful change, inform industry-wide conversations, and ensure that communication professionals everywhere have access to the development opportunities they need. Key findings will also be shared beyond our own network, benefiting the broader profession.

When does the survey close? 

The survey is open now, but don’t wait – responses close on Friday 21 February.

Take the survey now – because the future of our profession depends on those who choose to evolve.

Written by: Editor