new professionals

10 Questions to Make the Most of a Relationship with Your Mentor

PRSA New Pros Leave a comment

A successful mentor-mentee relationship begins with asking meaningful questions. These key questions help you gain a deeper understanding, guide your growth and foster a stronger relationship with your mentor.

By Jesse Burke

The first few weeks of the year can be the perfect time to reflect on the previous twelve months by evaluating goals, celebrating successes and acknowledging the obstacles that led you to grow. Much like the gifts we exchange around the holidays, this time can bring a sense of wrapping things up – and, of course, excitement for what’s to come! 

One of my favorite traditions around this time is choosing a New Year’s resolution. Each year, I try to set personal and professional goals that align with where I am and where I want to be. In 2025, I aimed to keep myself moving forward by setting a personal goal of walking 10,000 steps daily and a professional goal of joining a professional organization, which led me to my current role as Co-Mentorship Chair of PRSA New Professionals. This year I’m aiming for 11,000 daily steps and officially launching our New Pros Mentorship program. 

If you’re a new pro still looking for a New Year’s resolution, a meaningful option to consider could be finding a mentor for yourself. Building a relationship with a mentor can be a great way to navigate not only the start of the year but also the early stages of your career. It’s a resolution that can turn simple meetings into a powerful tool for your professional growth. 

Ten Questions to Get You Started

To help you kick off a new year and a new mentor-mentee relationship with confidence, consider these ten thoughtful questions to get to know your mentor:

1. Can you tell me about your career journey? 

2. What advice would you give to yourself when you were just starting?

3. What skills or certifications would you prioritize if you were new in your career today?

4. How can I make the most significant impact as a new pro in my role?

5. How do you establish a healthy work-life balance? 

6. What inspires you outside of work?

7. How do you stay on top of PR, MarComms and industry trends?

8. What are some common obstacles I should prepare for in my career path?

9. What are you most proud of in your career so far?

10. What additional information can I share to make our relationship successful?

These questions serve as a good starting point for getting to know your mentor. However, some of the most meaningful relationship-building can happen through spontaneous and casual conversations. Ultimately, it’s essential to come prepared with organized thoughts and ensure that everything reflects your authentic self. 

Join Our Program

Of course, the above questions are irrelevant if you don’t have a mentor to ask them. If you’re looking, there are several ways to find one, such as through your workplace, a personal connection or by joining our New Pros Mentorship Program. We’re currently gathering names of individuals who are interested in participating as mentees. To join, please fill out this form by January 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. .

Note: Filling out this form does not commit you to anything at this stage. It simply helps us gauge interest, form a waitlist and better understand what you’re looking for in a mentorship experience. Once we’ve finalized program details and secured mentors, we’ll follow up with next steps!

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at jesseburke2020@icloud.com.  

About the author:

Jesse Burke serves as the Mentorship Co-Chair of PRSA New Professionals, managing the section’s mentorship program. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 and is an account executive at Slide Nine, a communications, public relations and digital marketing agency based in Columbus, Ohio. 

Three Reasons for PR Pros to Pay Attention to Politics

Nigel Becker Leave a comment

Political news shapes public sentiment, brand perception and communication trends. For PR pros, especially new professionals, understanding political developments can improve audience awareness, crisis management and campaign creativity.

By Nigel Becker

The last few weeks have been busy ones in American politics: Voters in Virginia and New Jersey elected new governors, New York City chose a new mayor and the federal government shutdown disrupted air travel, public assistance programs and more. 

If you’re a political nerd like I am, or if your clients operate in policy-related spaces, you may have been following these events closely. 

But even if politics don’t excite you and your day-to-day role isn’t tied to public policy, it’s still worth keeping an eye on political news as a new pro. Here’s why.

Political issues may impact your audience

As communicators, we need to understand what’s happening in our audience’s lives. Maybe they’re stressed about losing access to a government program, or they’re anxious about the outcome of an upcoming election. 

Being mindful of these stressors can help your organization avoid appearing out of touch. For instance, if your audience is stressed about finances, you might proceed with caution when promoting pricey products, or highlight how your organization is supporting community nonprofits.

Politics can appear in surprising places

In recent years, brands have found themselves in the middle of political debates over everything from DEI programs, to commercials perceived as dogwhistles, to controversial logo redesigns. 

These controversies can seem to come from out of nowhere, but by staying aware of hotly debated topics, you can help your organization tweak non-political communications to avoid taking an accidental stand — or decide how best to weigh in when a cause aligns with its values.

(PRSA’s daily “Issues and Trends” newsletter, which all members can sign up for, regularly highlights trends like these.)

Campaign communications can inspire non-political comms

Political communicators exist in the same ecosystem as the rest of us: They’re navigating AI, deepfakes, shifting social media algorithms, distracted audiences and a public that’s increasingly skeptical of both political and business leaders. 

Despite these challenges, they continue to find creative ways to cut through the clutter, simplify complicated concepts and craft messages that resonate. Trade publications like Campaigns & Elections offer a glimpse into how campaigns are reaching voters and communicating under pressure. 

Many of the challenges campaign communicators tackle — like navigating shrunken budgets and experimental influencer partnerships — can spark ideas for non-political communicators, too. 

A note for outside the office:

Local politics and civic participation depend on communication, too

Even outside of work, following politics can help you be a more engaged citizen… and can open opportunities to use your skills for causes you believe in.

Maybe a local advocacy group needs help running social media or promoting events. Perhaps a school board or city council candidate needs help sharing their ideas with the community. You might even find yourself writing a letter to the editors or speaking at a city council meeting about an issue that matters to you.

Many of us were drawn to PR by a love of explaining complex issues and connecting with people. Those same skills lend themselves perfectly to civic involvement.

About the author

Nigel Becker serves as the Social Media Chair of PRSA New Professionals, overseeing the section’s Instagram and Facebook. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 and is an account associate at Slide Nine, a communications, public relations and digital marketing agency based in Columbus, Ohio.

One of his majors at OSU was Political Science, as you may have guessed!

How to Handle Feedback Like a Pro (Even When It’s Tough)

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By Whitney Conaghan

Early in your communications career, feedback isn’t just expected — it’s essential. Whether it’s a note on your press release draft, commentary on your meeting presence or a full performance review, how you receive and respond to feedback can significantly shape your career. For new professionals, learning to handle feedback with confidence and clarity is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. 

This is about more than just having thick skin. It’s about separating your work from your self-worth, engaging with critique productively and using feedback as a real tool for growth.

Detach your ego from your work

One of the most common mistakes early-career professionals make is taking feedback personally. It’s understandable because communications work is creative, individual and often high-pressure. When someone critiques a pitch you crafted or a strategy you designed, it can feel like a personal blow.

It’s important to remember that feedback is about the work, not its creator. Detaching your ego means focusing on improvements rather than personal validation. The most successful professionals develop the ability to view feedback as information that helps them grow, not as a judgment on their abilities.

Show poise in the moment

Hearing constructive feedback can trigger an emotional response. Staying poised means listening without rushing to explain, justify or react. It looks like neutrality in the moment — not agreeing quickly to try to keep the peace, and not scoffing at criticism before fully understanding it. Think of feedback as input rather than evaluation.

After the conversation, take time to let your emotions settle so you can assess the feedback objectively. Ask yourself whether the feedback aligns with your goals or highlights a blind spot you hadn’t considered. Sometimes it helps to keep a log of your feedback so you can identify what works for you, decide where to take action and understand how the input fits into your overall development.

Turn feedback into action

Feedback is only as valuable as what you do with it. Once you’ve had time to process it, the next step is to create a plan. What specifically can you do to improve? Your action plan doesn’t need to be complex, just clear and achievable.

For example, if you were advised to be more concise in your writing, you might want to set the goal of reviewing every email draft and trimming at least 10 percent of the word count. If the feedback was about contributing more in meetings, choose one upcoming meeting where you’ll plan to share an idea. Making small, consistent changes helps build new habits without overwhelming your workflow.

Follow up and close the loop

If someone took the time to give you thoughtful input, take the time to show them you heard it. A quick follow-up can go a long way. Try something like, “Thanks again for your feedback on my last press release. On this next one, I focused on developing more specific story ideas before writing, and I think it helped me keep the angle focused.”

This kind of check-in shows that you value their input and are serious about improving. It also helps strengthen professional relationships built on trust and growth.

Normalize feedback as a two-way part of working relationships instead of something that only happens during reviews or when something goes wrong. Professionals who seek feedback tend to improve faster. By proactively asking for input, you show that you’re invested in your own development. 

Instead of asking broad questions like, “Any feedback?” get specific. Try: “What would make my media lists more helpful for the team?” or “What’s one thing I can improve about how I presented the idea to the client?”

Feedback is a career tool

Sometimes, tension around feedback isn’t a sign of disagreement. It might mean the feedback is spot-on, and it simply caught you off guard. Tracking how changes feel over time through self-reflection or simple check-ins helps you find sustainable ways to grow while staying aligned with your natural strengths and energy.

Handling feedback like a pro means being open, curious and committed to improvement. In an industry where the work is fast-paced and highly visible, improvement matters, and those who grow are the ones who build long-term success. 

Listen with care, reflect with intention and act with purpose. Learning this skill will serve you for years to come. Keep asking questions and refining your process, and remember — feedback isn’t a test; it’s a tool. 

About the Author

Whitney Conaghan serves as the membership chair of the PRSA New Professionals section. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 and is a client services partner at dovetail solutions, a full-service communications agency in Denver, Colorado. 

New Professional Spotlight: Shannon Nicholson

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Name: Shannon Nicholson
Job Role: Program Director, West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions
Education: B.S. Journalism, ’14, M.S. Data Marketing Communications, ’17 – WVU Reed College of Media
Social Media: @shannonicholson (Twitter) and @shannonpauline (Instagram)

How and when did you first become interested in PR and communications?

My first job in the industry was at a small, B2B advertising agency in Morgantown, WV. I was exposed to all facets of marketing: content development, direct email, digital advertising, media relations, social media, traditional media, and website design (to name a few). What I did not know before I started my Junior Account Manager position was the importance of tying campaigns to business goals, breaking down department silos, and utilizing collected data to be relevant and timely. Enter the Data Marketing Communications, fully-online, graduate program. This program allowed me to bridge my interest in the business-side of marketing and my growing expertise in the field.

How did you find internships/jobs?

As a WVU student and alumni, I have an amazing resource at my disposal- MountaineerTrak powered by the Career Services Center. MountaineerTrak was my first line of defense. During my years as an undergrad, the Reed College of Media hired a Director of Student Careers and Opportunities, Eric Minor. Eric’s weekly “opportunity” email quickly became my go-to resource. Eric is the perfect liaison between current students looking for experience and alumni looking to provide that experience as a way to give back to their alma mater.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced in your career? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced in my young career has been introducing new procedures, and strategies from the ground up. In my current role, I assumed that after six months and I’ll be like a well-oiled machine and have already implemented new strategies. I soon realized that implementation would take closer to one year. The next year will be spent analyzing, and the following year will be about growth and optimization. It is hard not to get ahead of myself and want to be at year three, today! Really, the biggest challenge is not trying something new, it is pacing myself to check one step off the list at a time. Devoting 110% to each step without getting ahead of myself and potentially losing sight of details that could later derail all that the team has worked towards. Slow and steady wins the race.

What has been the most valuable thing you have learned through classes or experience?

Differing experiences, bring perspective. In my Data Marketing Communications cohort, students had varying backgrounds in data, graphic design, marketing, sales, etc. Listening to each other’s viewpoints helped the entire cohort approach problems with an open mind.

What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

You won’t know unless you try.

Do you have any advice for future PR pros?

There are a lot of different ways to apply your marketing/PR knowledge. Don’t limit yourself to certain industries or titles. Today, there are more opportunities than ever to be creative with your knowledge.

What do you think is the best benefit of PRSA and the New Pros section?

I think the biggest benefit of the New Pros section is the opportunity for engagement and networking. PRSA boasts amazing partners, and communities for growth and learning. I was particularly drawn to the #NPPRSA Twitter chats. Twitter chats have been a great outlet to informally discuss specific topics with others in the industry. I have found that those who participate want to engage and share. Even simply reading through threads has helped open my eyes to areas outside of my expertise.

Is there anything you wish you would have known before starting your career?

You will never stop learning. When you think you know enough, there is always more. It is important to be vigilant about the changes within your field.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself.

I have a Bengal Cat that is about 20 lbs, who acts more like a small dog than a cat.

This New Professionals spotlight is sponsored by West Virginia University. If you are a member of PRSA New Pros and interested in being featured, or interested in nominating someone to be featured as a part of our #MemberSpotlight, please complete the following form.

 

Four Ways Your PRSA Membership Can Help You Get Connected

Hanna Porterfield Leave a comment

In the first five years of your career, there is a lot of information and experiences thrown at you. You’re trying to figure out your first few jobs, learn about various industries and communications functions, and make a mark for yourself. PRSA’s New Professionals section can help you get there through programming, networking and mentorship.

As PRSA National wrote, “A well-developed professional network can be a source of friendships, mentors and referrals. Your network can also provide objective insights for evaluating opportunities and problems. PRSA’s 21,000+ members are excellent resources for cultivating relationships with colleagues who can help advance your career. A solid network of valuable contacts is always valuable, now more than ever.”

Whether you’re a PRSA member that transitioned from PRSSA, a new member finding your way, or a prospective member, here are three key ways PRSA can help you get more in contact with your peers:

  1. Connect with PR pros in your industry sector (via PRSA Sections)
    Not all communication and public relations professionals face the same challenges. PRSA has 14 professional interest groups, known as Sections. Most Sections focus on a specific industry while a few of the Sections are geared toward career levels (such as New Pros!). Each Section focuses on common issues related to an area of practice or special interest and is dedicated to bringing its members important, relevant information regarding their area of interest. Beyond involvement in New Pros, it can be helpful to join the section relevant to your industry – such as nonprofit, financial, health, technology, travel, and more – for tailored professional development.
  1. Build a strong network of local peers (via PRSA Chapters and Districts)
    A strong network is diverse and includes clients, peers, senior professionals, business leaders and vendors. PRSA Chapters give members the opportunity to strengthen their networks, grow as professionals and provide better solutions to the organizations they serve. Many Chapters provide New Pros programming at the local level, live. California Capital, Chicago, and more have active New Pros committees.
  1. Demonstrate thought leadership (via MyPRSA)
    Do you have something to say about a topic in which you’re well versed? If so, you could become an influential thought leader on PRSA’s members-only online community, MyPRSA. A great way to meet other PR and communications professionals is by answering questions, writing thought-provoking posts and blogs, and sharing experiences. There’s a New Pros-specific community to engage with professionals in a similar point in their career as you. You can also write for PRSA New Pros’ blog The Edge.
  1. Set yourself up for your next career success
    Plus, PRSA offers lifelong learning to help you improve your job skills, stay competitive and advance your career. There are on-demand trainings, MBA prep and APR support sessions.

Porterfield,Hanna_headshot2017This content originally appeared in PRSA’s membership email and was repurposed for use on PRSA New Pros The Edge by Hanna Porterfield, 2018 Chair of PRSA’s New Professionals Section. Based in Chicago, but frequently on an airplane, she is an account manager at NYC-headquartered Development Counsellors International. Hanna is a graduate of Michigan State University. Connect with her on Twitter @citygirlhanna.