Be thankful for your PRogress
As we are in the week of Thanksgiving and with finals on the clock, it is important to evaluate how far you have come in your professional development.
I find myself constantly worried I am not doing enough. After taking the time to step back and evaluate, I end up feeling more confident in what I have accomplished. With a profession that moves so quickly, it can be challenging to recognize growth and not jump to the next task.
In honor of Thanksgiving, here are some ways you can be thankful for your PRogress:
Print out proof
You know what they say, seeing is believing.
First, print out your first resume of your college career. I mean your actual first, it is okay to cringe at this one. Highlight or circle all your work experiences and skills.
Next, print out your most current resume. Do the same steps here as your first resume.
Put them side by side. Look at all of the new internships you have had and the skills you have learned.
Meet with your advisor
Our advisors are here to help and guide us. Set up an appointment or drop into office hours.
Once you are in the meeting, talk about what you have learned so far. What classes have you taken? What internships have you had? Being able to verbally tell someone about your growth feels good.
Use this to then plan for your next steps. Before you rush into your next worry of adult life, take a moment to truly be proud of what you have done. Then after you do this, you can worry about planning your next semester of classes with them.
The good old list method
Through Ad/PR courses you get certifications, work with real-life clients, and develop full communication plans.
Make a list of all of the classes you have taken so far in the major. Now, write out all of the skills, certifications, and projects that you worked on next to each class. Write specific qualities.
Not everyone has a lot of internship experience to go off of, and that is okay. We are taking these courses to set us up for professional life. I guarantee you did not come into college with three full campaigns, a Hootsuite certification, and knowing how to write a proper press release. These are all new skills you have grown in, be proud of them.
Navigate your network
Knowing your network is so important. Make a list of all of the connections you have made.
Some brainstorming areas:
Professors
LinkedIn connections
Student organization members
Old internship relationships
Group project members
This network is essential to your professional development. Reach out and check in on some you may not have talked to in a while, you never know where it could go. Lean on your network, they have either been through or are going through the same situations as you.
Although 2020 is not a typical year, there is a lot to be thankful for in your personal growth. Take some time for you this Thanksgiving season. You are doing great!
About Morgan:
Morgan Layne is a senior at Grand Valley State University. She is an advertising and public relations major with an emphasis in public relations. Morgan is serving as an account associate for GrandPR this semester. She also is the communications intern for the Grand Valley State University Advertising and Public Relations Program.