Olha Izhyk

Meet Olha Izhyk, 2021 graduate of our MSc Social and Public Communication. 

What is your current job title, and what does your role entail?

I work as Risk Communication Officer at WHO Regional Office for Europe. In this role, I coordinate strategic risk communications, develop public health campaigns, and engage with diverse stakeholders across the European region. My work involves translating complex health information into clear, actionable messages for the public, managing communication during health emergencies, and collaborating with various partners to promote better health outcomes.

Tell us about your career journey since graduating from LSE?

After graduating from LSE, I joined the WHO Regional Office for Europe as a risk communication specialist, initially focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic response. Since then, I've supported various public health and humanitarian responses, including emergency response to the war in Ukraine and earthquake relief efforts in Türkiye.

How has the programme you studied helped your career since you graduated?

My MSc in Social and Public Communications from LSE provided me with a strong foundation to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in public health communication. The programme enhanced my analytical skills and gave me the confidence to tackle complex risk communication challenges in high-pressure situations. It taught me how to critically evaluate information, understand audience perspectives, and craft effective communication strategies – skills that have been invaluable in my work with WHO, especially during emergencies.  

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received? 

The best piece of career advice I've received is to stay curious about your field of work, no matter how many years you've been in it or how accomplished an expert you become. This advice has been invaluable throughout my career in risk communication at WHO (in total I worked there for 10 years now). It has encouraged me to continually seek new knowledge, remain open to fresh perspectives, and adapt to evolving challenges.

What’s the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome? 

The greatest challenge I've faced was being part of the emergency response in Ukraine when the full-scale war started in 2022. As a Ukrainian, I was in the country when the invasion began, and the situation was deeply personal and emotionally taxing. I had the opportunity to apply my professional skills to support the emergency response. Working in a crisis affecting my own country and people tested my ability to maintain professional composure while dealing with personal concerns. This experience, while incredibly challenging, reinforced the critical importance of effective risk communication during times of extreme crisis and uncertainty.

Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science.

My fondest memory of the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science was a transformative moment during a class discussion. I asked a professor about a specific scientist's theory, and she candidly responded, "I don't know, I haven't read the works of this scientist in a while." This was a mind and life-changing moment for me. It taught me that it's acceptable to admit when you don't know something, even as an accomplished LSE professor. This lesson in intellectual honesty and humility has stayed with me throughout my career, especially in the field of risk communication where transparency and credibility are paramount.

If you're a PBS alum and would like to share your experience, please get in touch at pbs.alumni@lse.ac.uk.