Never Stop Learning: Why Having a Mentor is Crucial as a Young Professional by Brandi Boatner and Kate Enos

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Albert Einstein once said, “”Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

Yes, we’ve checked the boxes: graduated from high school, received a diploma in college and got our first, second or third job. But that doesn’t mean learning should ever stop, especially in the workplace.

In public relations, all the classes in the world can’t teach you what you learn while on the job. The art of managing tight deadlines, heavy demands and expecting the unexpected isn’t on any syllabus. But there is one resource that remains untapped and full of knowledge – those who have blazed the trails before us in the world of public relations, otherwise known as mentors.

January marked National Mentoring Month, a celebration of those who choose to dedicate valuable time and energy into the next generation of professionals. No matter your age and title, everyone can use a mentor.

The trick is finding a mentor.

According the New York Times, it won’t happen overnight. Here a few tips and tricks to finding the right match for you:

  • Time: It takes time to cultivate relationships and to see if the chemistry fits to make a match.
  • Industry: Find someone in communications and public relations if that’s the career path you see yourself in.
  • Commitment: Make sure your potential mentor is willing to put time into meeting regularly and making you a priority.
  • Goals: Set goals, and know your strengths and weaknesses before you meet with a mentor.

Mentoring is not only for those who are seasoned practitioners in the field. New professionals in the industry can also be mentors through “reverse mentoring”.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal found “many businesses are pairing upper management with younger employees in a practice known as reverse mentoring. The trend is taking off at a range of companies, from tech to advertising.”   

With the advent of social media, new technologies and innovative marketing techniques, businesses across a variety of industries recognize the skills, knowledge and expertise young professionals bring to an organization, thereby benefiting all employees.

Your mentor is out there – all you have to do is ask. So, what are you waiting for?

 

Brandi Boatner and Kate Enos are the PRSA New Professionals Section mentorship co-chairs.

Intro to Government PR by Doug Matthews

Heather Sliwinski 1 Comment

I’ll be honest. I never made a formal decision to get into government communications. Would you believe that I was actually a forensic science major for my first two years of school? Yep. I wanted to be CSI before David Caruso inexplicably made it seem cool. Now, how David Caruso and “cool” found their way into the same sentence is a subject for another time. Suffice it to say, I’m a bit of a nerd at heart.

It was a combination of life experience, timely opportunities and great mentors that guided me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. So here’s my first bit of advice: create your own opportunities, but don’t get so focused that you fail to see the new, unexpected ones that present themselves along the way.

I joke that I was “infected” with the public service mindset. I blame my parents. My father was a career law enforcement officer and police chief, and my mother was an emergency room nurse. The first “marketing” I ever did professionally was working at the city pool, getting families to show up for “Dive-In Movies”…in between fits of whistle-blowing and telling kids to “walk, not run” on the pool deck.

So, after an epiphany while sitting in Applied Calculus II (another interesting, albeit off-topic story), I left class and changed my major to advertising and public relations. I secured my first internship as a sophomore doing marketing and events for the county recreation department. (Another aside here: get as much job experience as you can before you graduate–it’s the single best thing you can do to differentiate yourself from the thousands of other job-hunting graduates entering the work force.)

I continued that work until graduation, with a short stint in between studying in London and interning with Fleishman-Hillard. It was during this venture into corporate public relations that I had my second epiphany. The assignments were interesting enough, and the people were great, but I had trouble finding satisfaction with the work I was doing. For me, there was a satisfaction and fulfillment that I got from serving the public that I didn’t get when serving a client or a private industry.

That’s something I love most about this career: the absence of a traditional “target market.” Sure, you’ll always have specific audiences for specific programs, but government service is a great equalizer. After all, everyone needs their garbage picked up, right? And every one of you expects the lights and sirens to arrive when you call 911.

There’s also unbelievable variety in what our team does. I mentioned garbage collection and public safety, but we also do engineering. We do public health. We manage parks. We build roads. The work we do truly touches the lives of everyone who lives here in Austin and I get to be a part of that. We help people understand, appreciate and connect with the products and services they have invested in as taxpayers. We help make good government.

In my role, I get to be both the PR pro and the media pro. We run an in-house agency, with teams spanning media relations, Web development, employee communications, project management, community engagement, marketing, events and interactive media. We have our own television station and graphic design shop. The opportunities for learning and development are limited only by your desire and willingness to expand your horizons. The work environment is what you make of it: there is more space to try new things and take risks than you might think!

We do, though, have to talk about the other side of that coin. When you sign up as a public servant, you do so with the understanding that virtually everything you do is public. The work you do belongs to the taxpayers, and they can be a fickle and demanding audience. Likewise, there’s always an undercurrent of politics. Ultimately, my boss (the city manager) works for seven elected officials, so you can’t escape it. You can, though, maintain a distinct line between political and professional communication.

If it sounds interesting, you can start by looking for internships in your local jurisdiction. I learned as much interning with Orange County Parks & Recreation as I did in four years of coursework. Get involved with the International City/County Managers Association or the City/County Communications and Marketing Association. Look into public administration and public affairs courses as a supplement to your normal coursework.

The work might not be for everyone, but for someone with the passion to serve, a love for the art of governing, and the willingness to wear virtually every hat in the haberdashery (or millinery), there’s not a better job on the planet. 

 

Doug Matthews is an 18-year veteran of local government communications, currently serving as the chief communications director for the City of Austin, Texas. He served similar roles for the Florida cities of Largo and Clearwater before becoming an adopted Texan in 2009. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Florida.

PRSA New Professionals Section 2012 Executive Committee

Heather Sliwinski 1 Comment

After a year of outstanding growth and participation in the New Professionals Section led by a group of passionate young PR professionals, we would like to welcome the members of the 2012 Executive Committee. Some are veterans of the Section, and some are new faces, but all are enthusiastic and optimistic for the coming year. Big thanks go out to the 2011 committee, and especially immediate past chair Sarah Siewert, for their leadership, commitment and fresh perspective, which positioned New Professionals as PRSA’s biggest Section in 2011. The 2012 Committee will strive to build upon the foundation they have laid out for another successful year.

This year, the Section has a diverse group of individuals from a range of PR specialties, companies and geographic location. Each committee member brings with them a different viewpoint, and as a way to introduce them, we asked–what is your favorite thing about your city?

The thing I love about Dayton (Ohio) is that it provides a combination of “city” life and a quiet, little suburbia town (living in Centerville). Everything that I want/need to do is within a 10-minute driving distance and there’s a nice mixture of nightlife, museums/theaters and great places to eat! It’s also just a short drive to Cincinnati or Columbus if I need a little something extra (like baseball games)!—Leah Moon, Section chair

Woolrich, PA – “The best of both worlds” – For those who love the outdoors, I’m right beside the Pine Creek Valley. The views from the peaks and valleys are breathtaking, not to mention the opportunities for kayaking, biking, fishing, camping, etc. How about that city life? I work in Williamsport, PA, which was just recently listed as the 7th fastest growing city in the United States! Trust me, there is a lot of growing space – it’s a very small city. It’s also right across the Susquehanna River from the home of the Little League World Series – we get our few weeks of fame every August!—Elizabeth Rhoads, Section chair-elect and programming director

Seattle, Washington: Venture here from May-September and experience why so many Seattleites never move away – the water, mountains and abundance of green are spectacular and make the rest of the year worthwhile. Add in opportunities to work with top-tier technology, healthcare, biotech and aerospace organizations, and it becomes obvious why we’re proud to call Seattle home!-–Brendan Hughes, programming co-chair

Philadelphia. We’ve got cheesesteaks, Rocky and, of course, the Liberty Bell. While Philly may have a tough reputation, those who live here know they’ll never trade the lights on Boathouse Row or Citizens Bank Park for any other city. Say what you will about New York or Chicago, but we know it’s always sunny in Philadelphia.–Anna Cramer, social media chair

What I love best about my city is that it’s a big city with a small-town feel.  Charlotte, North Carolina may not be considered a big city to most, but given its popularity,  it has just the right amount of people. It’s not extremely busy, the people are friendly and the community generally cares for each other.–Jamela Wintons, newsletter co-chair

First, let me say that I love the Mitten!  Yes, the Mitten, as in the state of Michigan. The area plays host to great sports teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and even the Lions. Music is in its veins, and the art scene is growing. If you’ve not seen a Pure Michigan campaign, you are missing the beauty that is often overlooked when you hear about the city and its surrounding communities. I’ve lived in several communities in the Detroit metro area, and I have an affinity for each one. The best part about the town, regardless of the location, is the people. They are strong and resilient even through tough times.  Without the drive of the people, I don’t believe I would be the person I am today.–Diahnn Henderson, newsletter co-editor

“NEW YORK! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.”- Alicia Keys. Several musicians have said it best when describing New York as an extraordinary town- if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. New York City is a wonderful location for a new professional in the PR industry because it offers so many opportunities and experiences that help shape your professional development. From networking to events to top-notch clients and corporations, New York City is a great place to launch a career.—Brandi Boatner, mentorship co-chair

Living in Washington, D.C., is a truly an amazing and eye-opening experience. From jogging trails that run by the Lincoln Memorial to spotting the President’s motorcade on a ride to work, it is a city like no other, where residents descend from across the country and the world to make up our nation’s capital. D.C. is great for young professionals to start their careers, whether it be in the nonprofit world, civil service or private sector. Whatever your interests are, there is something for everyone in our little district.—Kate Enos, mentorship co-chair

I love that Chicago has so many faces. Besides the fact that there are incredible opportunities for new professionals to learn and grow, Chicago is a great place to live. I really enjoy exploring new neighborhoods, trying out new restaurants and visiting the lakefront running trail. Despite the brutal winter weather (which I’ll often complain about on Twitter), Chicago summers make up for it with street festivals and outdoor concerts.—Nick Lucido, PRSSA liason

CHICAGO! Land of deep dish pizza, Lake Michigan and the Cubs: Chicago is a great place for any young professional interested in educating themselves about or working in public relations. Between the many universities offering graduate degrees to the numerous different fields of PR, it’s a city that people can come eager to learn and leave with a bountiful amount of knowledge! I’m happy to call Chicago home!–Alyssa Bronikowski, PRSSA liaison

In what has to be a sign of the times, I don’t have an office. Well, I do, but it doubles as a guest bedroom. When I signed on with a virtual workplace, I had to ask myself where I wanted to set up shop. After thinking about it, I settled on Newburgh, Indiana, about six miles east of Evansville and a solid 90 minutes from the closest “major” city. This place is home for me, but it’s also a fascinating town and area to work from as a virtual worker. The city is big enough to have much of the amenities I would need or like (such as good coffee), but also small enough to feel at home and be familiar with a lot of people. It may not be the biggest or the most glamorous, but it’s home, and that’s the most important to me.–Ben Luttrull, membership co-chair

Washington, D.C.: Though I originally moved from New Hampshire to D.C. to work in PR at a theater, I quickly found that D.C. has many avenues for PR professionals: government affairs, agency work, lobbying, non-profit communication positions and a host of other opportunities. What’s best about D.C. though is that it’s so small! You run into people you know all the time, are able to build a strong network of peers, get to meet accomplished professionals and can go to exciting events on the Hill, at think-tanks, at universities or at other venues. Without a doubt, D.C. has really helped shape my career.–Whitney Gray, membership co-chair

San Francisco: Known for its iconic skyline, steep hills, cable cars, trolleys and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers more than just visual appeal: The diversity of its people, variety of restaurants and endless festivals and events make it a cultural hot spot for residents and visitors alike. It’s also the start-up mecca of the world, providing an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. A fusion of fun and professionalism, it’s no surprise that San Francisco is an ideal city for a new PR pro.—Carolina Madrid, diversity chair

The place that I call home is Michigan and I am fortunate to operate around the state, embracing all of which the Great Lakes State has to offer. From catching concerts and sports in Detroit to professional research and alumni support in East Lansing to helping local businesses in Flint, I am proud to be a Michigan resident!–Zaneta Chuniq Inpower, blog co-chair

I’ve had the privilege of living and visiting many cities in recent years, but Chicago will always be the place I call home. The Windy City has more to offer than anyone could experience in a lifetime–from professional sporting events to well-known music festivals and venues, unrivaled food (deep-dish pizza, anyone?) to the best broadway shows. Every day presents something new, all while keeping with treasured traditions. Working in PR in Chicago has opened me up to endless possibilites for fun, networking and growth. Sweet home, Chicago.–Heather Sliwinski, blog co-chair

Introducing Your 2012 Blog Chairs

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Happy new year, New Professionals Section!  Welcome to any new members, and congrats to any December graduates who have entered the PR workforce.

The start of a new year brings a whole new New Professionals Section Executive Committee with it, and we are excited to introduce your 2012 blog co-chairs. Returning for a second year as blog co-chair is Heather Sliwinski, joined by newcomer Zaneta Chuniq Inpower. Big thanks to Diahnn Henderson, 2011 blog co-chair, for her dedication to and refreshing ideas for the blog last year. She will no doubt be a great asset to the New Professionals Section newsletter this year as co-editor.

We are gearing up for 2012, planning content and reaching out to members who want to guest blog for us. We will definitely be continuing our successful “Intro to” series and Summer Book Club, as well as tips for successful job hunting. In the meantime, read below to learn a bit more about us, leave us comments on what you would like to see on the blog in 2012 and connect with us if you would like to volunteer.

Zaneta Chuniq Inpower is owner and president of Chuniq PR, an independent media and marketing management firm. Additionally, she is the digital communications coordinator for Douglas J Salons and Institutes and editor and writer for Supreme Design Publishing. Her personal interests include reading, international travel and culture and community revitalization. Inpower received her B.A. in advertising from Michigan State University.

Heather Sliwinski returns as PRSA New Professionals Section blog co-chair with one year of editing the blog under her belt. Sliwinski is an account executive at KemperLesnik, a Chicago-based public relations agency, providing media relations and social media services to a variety of B2B clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in strategic communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her free time, she roots for her Wisconsin Badgers, plans her next vacation (probably to Walt Disney World) and catches up on her Netflix queue. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter (@hsliwinski).

Check back next week when we introduce our entire 2012 committee!

New Professionals Week: A Hit from Coast to Coast by Elizabeth Rhoads

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Young professionals had the opportunity to do everything from mingling at happy hours to getting professional development advice during our first ever New Professionals Week, November 14 through 18. Our #NPweek hashtag took over Twitter for the week, and everyone enjoyed connecting with other new professionals in their area and online.

We are looking forward to New Professionals Week 2012 and are excited to connect with even more Chapters and see what fun, new events will be held!

Special thanks to each of these individuals and their Chapters for all of their efforts in planning and implementing so many successful events in celebration of New Professionals Week:

Rachel Sprung, Boston (@PRSABostonYPN)

Jeana Harrington & Janelle Huelsman, Central Ohio (@PRSAcentralOhio)

Alison Hamer, Chicago (@YPNChicagoPRSA)

Dan Tipton, Delaware (@PRSADE)

Joshua Preister, Detroit (@PRSADetroit)

Emily Geesaman & Anna Cramer, Philadelphia (@PRSAPhilly)

Angi Ramos & Cameron Bays, Puget Sound (@PRSA_yopro – Check out their success!)

Carolina Madrid & Francie King, San Francisco (@prsasanfran)

For more information on New Professionals Week 2012, please contact Elizabeth Rhoads (elizrhoads@gmail.com, @ElizRhoads), programming co-chair.