Dominique Imani on Creativity, Communication, and Career Transitions

By: Judith Ichado

Photo of Dominique Imani, shot by Focus in life media.

Dominique Muhammad is a dynamic creative and communications specialist who has recently transitioned into an administrative role within the Fire Department in her city. Dominique is also a YouTuber, sharing her personal experiences and passions. A graduate of North Carolina A&T with a degree in Mass Communications. From her early days of school announcements to her role as a communications specialist, Dominique’s journey is inspiring and packed with insights for anyone interested in storytelling and connecting with audiences. Today, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in communications, her career transition, and her advice for aspiring communicators.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hey! I’m Dominique Muhammad. I’m 26, and I work as an Administrative

Coordinator for a Fire Department. I’m a creative at heart and have always had this drive to communicate and connect with people. I graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in Mass Communications right as the pandemic hit in 2020, which made job hunting interesting, to say the least. But I kept pushing, and here I am!

Could you walk us through your journey into communications? What drew you to this field initially?

I think I’ve been drawn to communications since day one. I started off doing morning announcements in school, and by the time I got to college, I knew Mass Communications was for me. At A&T, I learned how to work a camera, write news stories, and even report on air. When I couldn’t find a job after graduating in 2020, I started a YouTube channel to keep up with my skills, which was actually a lot of fun. A few years later, I landed a role as a communications specialist with the city, and that’s where things really got moving.

What were the most rewarding and challenging parts of being a Communications Specialist?

The best part was the people. I got to meet so many different people from all over the city, and working with different departments kept things fresh. But honestly, the workload was intense. I was one person managing everything—from the city’s social media to the requests of City Council. Eventually, I was working over 100 hours every two weeks, with no time for myself, which led to some serious burnout.

How did you realize communications was the right career for you?

It’s one of those things where I just felt at home. I love creating, managing social media, and sharing stories with people. When I saw people engaging with my posts, it hit me that I was actually making a difference. That’s when I knew this was the right path for me.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in communications?

First, you have to be adaptable because trends and platforms change constantly. You need a creative mind to come up with engaging content and empathy to connect with people from all backgrounds. Resilience is huge because this field can get stressful, and time management is key to juggling all the moving parts without burning out.

What advice do you have for someone looking to enter the communications field?

Start practicing however you can. Whether it’s a blog, a YouTube channel, or even helping with social media for a local nonprofit, real-world experience makes a difference. And protect your mental health; burnout is real. Set boundaries so you don’t lose yourself in the work.

How did you know it was time to transition to a new department?

When my department got a new director, things changed. It became harder to stay motivated, and I felt more exhausted than energized by my work. I realized I needed a role where I could still use my skills without sacrificing my peace, so I moved over to the Fire Department. It’s been a breath of fresh air.

Is there anything you miss about working as a Communications Specialist?

I do miss working with all the different departments and the variety of projects that came my way. No two days were the same, which kept things exciting. But now, I have a much better work-life balance, and I wouldn’t trade that peace for anything.

How has your background in communications helped you in your current role?

My communications experience has been super useful, as I handle social media for the Fire Department as well , so my skills in creating content and connecting with people come in handy every day. Plus, I know how to communicate clearly and get our message out there, which helps our whole team work better together.

Thank you for doing this, Dominique

You're Welcome, Judith.