What does it take to build a sustainable career covering global development, humanitarian issues, and social change?

Join the next Livestream of the Social Change Career Podcast

In this episode, Emma Smith shares her journey from journalism to strategic communications and freelance reporting. The episode will  explore the realities of working in global development media, including the shift from newsroom roles to sector-based communications and the decision to step into independent freelance work.

Emma offers grounded insights into career pathways, challenges, and opportunities for those interested in storytelling as a tool for impact, while reflecting on the evolving role of journalism in the global development space.

Why Join This Conversation

• Understand pathways into global development journalism
  
• Explore career opportunities in development communications
  
• Learn what it means to transition into freelance work
  
• Hear practical reflections on sustainability and career risk-taking
  
• Gain insight into shaping a long-term career in impact storytelling

Date & How to Join

December 3
Time: 12 pm EST

Live on LinkedIn & YouTube

Can’t attend live? The episode will be available shortly after, alongside 200+ past conversations on impact careers and social change:
https://pcdn.global/listen

About Emma Smith

Emma Smith is a freelance journalist with more than a decade of experience covering global development and humanitarian issues. Her work has been featured in Devex, The New Humanitarian, and The Guardian.

Alongside her journalism, she has worked within the sector itself — first with a child rights NGO and later leading communications for a UN agency initiative — giving her a dual perspective on reporting and institutional storytelling.

Originally from a small town in Scotland, Emma is now based in Barcelona. She holds degrees from Glasgow Caledonian University and University College Dublin.