Meet the SHEROES - Dipanwita Das

Being a ‘Communication Consultant’ for various organizations is not an easy task. But over time, she has built her own repute in this field. Communication is the key in every sphere of life, both personal and professional.

There is a lot to learn about this field and Dipanwita Das gladly shares her views with us today,

How did you get around to being a ‘Communication Consultant?

I have worked in various fields, from being an editor and a journalist to a digital media strategist, in a social enterprise and as a training manager. The one string that connected all these seemingly different jobs was communications. Communications – in all its forms – is something we all need to be pros at. 

I became a communication consultant when I realized that I had been practicing the craft ever since my first job in 2007. There is no individual or organization in the world that does not need a communications expert and as someone who is driven to effect positive social change across issue areas, the field of communications is ideal. Being a consultant allows me to liaise with various organizations and learn something new everyday.

What does it take to be a successful Communication Consultant?

To be a successful Communication Consultant one needs to be very adaptable. It is imperative to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field. In addition, one needs to be very patient and be able to work different kinds of people.

Most important is to stay solution oriented; if there is something that you don’t know research and learn, but always look for a solution.

What advice would you give fellow working women to help them rise in their profession?

There is a long way I have yet to go in my profession, but in my limited experience I can say that: you must not get easily dissuaded.

Our society is designed to be unfriendly to many women as they navigate the workspace and sometimes only sheer determination will see you through. Second, nothing is the be all and end all of your career. Ultimately, you will be exactly what you want to be so it’s best to work on figuring that out at your earliest.

I started off as a Historian, then lawyer, then a international development professional and finally a communications consultant. Find something that captures ALL of you.

What was your first job and what did it teach you?

I first worked as a copy-editor at Taylor and Francis Publishers. I learnt two extremely important lessons there. First, punctuality – irrespective of where you work and live, everybody appreciates punctuality.

Second - the importance of details and precision. At the publishers, each punctuation mark could make or break an argument in a book. Under those circumstances, it was imperative to have an eye for details and be very precise.

These lessons have held me in good stead and account for much of my success and work ethic now.

What are you short-term work and business plans?

I have just started my own social strategies firm that focuses on catering to the technology and communications needs of nonprofits and social impact organizations.

I hope to be able to grow this business and make it sustainable in the course of the year. The organization is being set up to keep in mind the limitations and needs of NGOs and their staff and has a strong emphasis on capacity building.

In the long run, I would like to return to academia and focus exploring and writing about the interaction of public policy implementation and communications in a dispersed and varied country like India.

Do you have any advice for fellow SHEROES?

First, every woman is a “SHERO”. Whether you have chosen to be a homemaker or venture into the world of employment, it will not be an easy ride.

Second, clarity is everything. If you are clear about who you are and what your end goal is, the path will reveal itself to you.

Third, never ever doubt yourself. Doubt is worse than fear and it will eat away at your ability to accomplish your goals.

Lastly, think in terms of leaving behind a legacy, not just making money or completing a task for the sake of a promotion.