Accelerate your PR career
Are you an early-career PR professional looking to accelerate your growth and make a significant impact in the industry? Mastering a diverse set of skills is crucial to staying ahead and carving out a successful career in public relations.
Ready to dive deeper?
Download our whitepaper to explore these insights further and discover how you can effectively level up your PR game. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to propel your career forward and achieve lasting success.
Featured Experts
Stefan Pollack is president of The Pollack Group, a public relations and marketing firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York. For 30 years, he has managed clients across various sectors, including consumer products, technology, and nonprofit. He has served as president of PRSA's Los Angeles Chapter and chair of the Americas Region Board for The Worldcom Public Relations Group, where he currently serves as global marketing chair. Since 2001, he has been an adjunct professor at USC Annenberg and is the author of Disrupted, From GenY to iGen: Communicating with the Next Generation. Pollack is also a member of the Forbes Agency Council. In 2019, he established the Noemi Pollack Scholarship at USC’s Center for Public Relations, providing annual tuition support for an undergraduate public relations student.
Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, is a digital communications strategist who leads social media workshops and conducts AI research. Co-founder of two PR agencies and president of a consultancy, he's also a LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 25 years of industry experience. Martin is a member of the AIinPR Panel, co-host of the Inside PR podcast, past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy, and past-president of CPRS Toronto. He teaches digital marketing at McMaster-Syracuse, Schulich School of Business, and Seneca College, and developed a Certificate in Digital Strategy for the University of Toronto. He regularly speaks at conferences and was awarded the IPR Makovsky Best Master’s Thesis Award (2019) and CPRS’s Outstanding Achievement in PR Award (2020).
Ryan Whittle is the Communications Manager at Kalypso, a consulting firm that was recently acquired by Rockwell Automation. He leads the firm’s PR strategy and brand messaging. Ryan started at Kalypso as an intern making videos, and after a change in interest, began building a communications function that now encompasses PR, messaging, and internal comms. After a stint in Los Angeles, he returned to his roots in Austin, Texas. He’s a big fan of the University of Texas Longhorns and the Texas Rangers.
5 Ways to Get Ahead in Your PR Career
Business Wire recently assembled expert panelists to discuss strategies for gaining career momentum. The conversation explored how you can make the right impression, build a supportive network, and develop lifelong learning habits that will sustain your professional journey. Here are five essential ways to get ahead in your public relations career.
1. Make the Right Impression from the Start
First impressions set the tone for future relationships and opportunities. How can you ensure that you stand out positively?
- Demonstrate Professionalism: Be punctual, prepared, and attentive in all interactions. Your reliability will build trust with colleagues and clients.
- Showcase Confidence and Enthusiasm: Approach projects with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute. Confidence can inspire confidence in others.
- Listen Actively: Pay close attention to feedback and instructions. Active listening shows respect and a commitment to excellence.
2. Build a Supportive Professional Network
A strong network can open doors and provide invaluable support. What steps can you take to cultivate meaningful connections?
- Attend Industry Events: Engage in conferences, seminars, and webinars to meet peers and industry leaders.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals and join relevant groups or discussions.
- Seek Mentorship: Identify mentors who can offer guidance, share experiences, and help navigate your career path.
3. Develop Lifelong Learning Habits
The PR landscape is constantly evolving. How can you stay ahead of the curve and continuously enhance your skills?
- Stay Informed: Regularly read industry news, blogs, and publications to keep up with the latest trends and best practices.
- Pursue Further Education: Consider certifications or courses in specialized areas like digital marketing, crisis communication, or media relations.
- Embrace Feedback: View critiques as opportunities for growth. Reflect on feedback and implement changes to improve your performance.
4. Cultivate a Diverse Skill Set
Versatility can significantly boost your value as a PR professional. Which skills should you focus on expanding?
- Effective Communication: Master both written and verbal communication to convey messages clearly and persuasively.
- Digital Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with PR software, analytics tools, and social media platforms.
- Strategic Thinking: Develop the ability to plan and execute campaigns that align with organizational goals.
5. Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative
Leadership isn't reserved for senior positions. How can you exhibit leadership qualities early in your career?
- Take Initiative: Volunteer for new projects or tasks that challenge you and contribute to team objectives.
- Innovate: Propose fresh ideas or solutions that address existing challenges or improve processes.
- Collaborate Effectively: Work well with team members, fostering a cooperative and productive environment.
Accelerating your PR career involves a combination of strategic action, continuous learning, and relationship-building. By implementing these five strategies, you'll be well on your way to elevating your professional journey and making a lasting impact in the field of public relations.
