A New Pro's Perspective
Posted by Rachel Yeakley on Mar. 7, 2011 / Subscribe 0
Sometimes I worry that we New Professionals are "getting" more than we're "giving." There is no denying that we are growing. It's hard not to grow when you're fresh into your career as a pr professional. Plugging into professional development with the chapter or being catered to our needs as newbies allows a better chance that the growing will be more significant. But when I worry about the all get and no give, I'm reassured by one thing. There is nothing that entices us to give back like remembering what it was like when we were helped. Yes, I might have dragged myself to a résumé review session for PRSSA Day even if no one ever critiqued mine during the what-am-I-going-to-do-if-no-one-hires-me-after-I-graduate phase. However, many mentors did lend a helping hand, words of encouragement and a red pen. So of course, when I sit with seniors in college at PRSSA Day, my level of passion is through the roof. I want to tell them that I've been there and regurgitate what I learned from wiser professionals.
Entry level workers, and especially interns, do a lot of "getting." I'm thrilled that our Kansas City PRSA chapter adopts the same philosophy that those in organizations with intern programs have adopted. It's not just giving, it's an investment. The more we pour into those new to the industry, the more excited they are to give back once they get their bearings. I see it happening all the time. Today's committed New Pro is eventually going to be a PRISM co-chair and then a chapter president. The professional development we receive also allows us to be better contributors to our employers.
So thank you to the more experienced folks who speak on our panels, volunteer at PRSSA Day and act as mentors. Also, thank you to fellow new professionals who care enough about your own career and the good of the community to invest in yourself so you can in turn give back.
This is already looking to be a full year of professional development. In addition to attending the great line-up Justin LaBerge is offering us, we're excited about the specialized professional development for those with zero to five years of experience. (This includes students, so don't forget to invite any juniors/seniors in college to join us.) Here are just a couple of the events we're planning:
Next event -- Travel & Tourism in Kansas City
- Let's face it, this section of our industry is a crowd-pleaser. With all the buzz that Kansas City is producing right now, this is the perfect time to learn more about what a travel/tourism pr professional does. Specifically, we'll find out what is going on in Kansas City with the new Performing Arts Center and other initiatives that will make our city even better. This dinner and panel discussion will be April 21. Stay tuned for more info posted here.
Down the road -- The résumé after your first job
- So much attention is focused on helping recent grads (and sometimes not-so-recent) find that coveted first job. But what about the elusive second job? Where is the line between transparency with your current employer and not getting fired for looking around? At what point are you ready to jump into the next step of the 3-5 years experience window that so many job applications require? These questions will be addressed by HR managers and recruiters from top local organizations.
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