Success in your PR career

Last month our blog post “What are you really worth?” outlined the importance of being proactive in your own professional development to drive your PR career in the right direction.

That article focused on the advantages of pledging some time and money each year to undertake talent training and activities that augment your professional skills.  Of course the purpose of making this investment is to secure your ideal job and build a truly satisfying public relations career.

As with any personal or professional opportunity or challenge, it is important to assess your situation thoroughly and map out an informed plan of action to get the best return on your investment.  By applying some strategic planning principles and self awareness to this process, and asking yourself the right questions, you will see your career map quickly taking shape (if you are not familiar with strategic planning read our recent blog post “Making communications strategy effective for your organisation” or contact us about upcoming strategic planning courses).

Any strategy should be built on research and applying these principles to your career development is no different.  So, define what your ideal role (your ‘goal’) really looks, feels, sounds, and tastes like.  Be honest with yourself: good self-awareness is the crucial factor that will empower you to take control of your career, make a sound professional investment and reach your goals faster.

Analyse your interests and ambitions – be guided by your response to questions like these:

What interests me the most in my organisation or field?

Are my current skills and strengths geared toward pursuing these interests?

• If yes, how can I do more of the work that interests me?
• If no, how can I up-skill to get involved in my area of interest?

What is most important to me in my work?  What personal values and vision guide me in this approach?

• E.g.  Must be passionate about the organisation’s mission or product, must be allowed to take risks.

What are my job ‘must haves’?

• E.g.  Work-life balance/flex time, on-site parking, salary package, social culture.

What are my limitations?

• E.g.  Can’t travel, study commitments, not willing to commute, health concerns, no formal qualifications, no/little work experience.

Your career map should be drawn from quality personal insights that identify where you are now, and where you really want to be.  The path between these two positions will then become clear as you consider all the aspects of work that meaningfully contribute to your sense of job satisfaction.  We recommend you seek professional assistance in developing your career map.  Working with a professional in the industry will ensure you build a robust and relevant career plan.

When you have this map in hand, you are better equipped to make a smart investment of your time and money in professional development that will support your public relations career aspirations.  This exercise sets the foundation for you to build your personal brand for the journey to satisfaction and success in your PR career.