From Media to Government Affairs: A Career Pathway in Policy and Commercial Diplomacy
By Emilia Badstue Valbum Careers in government affairs and commercial diplomacy rarely follow a linear path. The discipline sits at the intersection of communication, policy analysis, institutional process, and international coordination. For many professionals working in this space, the foundation is built gradually across sectors rather than through a single predefined route. My own career began in the media sector, where I developed early experience in strategic communication and message development. Working within media environments sharpened my understanding of narrative framing, public discourse, and the importance of clarity in complex issues. Those skills later became central to work in political and policy settings. Transitioning into Parliamentary and Government Roles Moving from media into public policy introduced a new layer of complexity. Serving as Chief of Staff to a Member of the European Parliament required an understanding of legislative processes, coalition...