Learning Curve

Learning Curve

By Emily Mitchell, account coordinator

After I graduated from college, I never thought about writing research plans or looking to a textbook for an answer. I believed I could take on any project thrown my way until it was time to roll my sleeves up and get to work. I came to the realization that learning for me never stops but in fact, grows stronger and faster once out of those school doors.

I have quickly learned from working at Commonwealth Public Relations, with multiple clients in various industries, that I am required to be an expert in healthcare one minute and automotive the next minute. I need to be able to effectively write a press release on a boating rescue while also answering emails about software development. How is that all possible? I am certainly no expert for any client I work with, but this allows me to write clearly to an audience and in more readable terms as well as use my same tricks for different client projects.

While this may seem chaotic in my mind, I use the following organizational steps to keep my thoughts and projects in line:

• Write down any details about a client when bouncing from project to project.
• Stay on top of industry news, take the time to read articles specific to clients’ industries to not only gain new insights from fresh and exciting sources but to learn different vocabulary to utilize what angles other outlets are publishing.
• Learn to prioritize tasks and set a deadline to help with productivity and accountability.
• Do not be afraid to ask others for help when your plate becomes full.

If I knew everything there was to know about public relations or each sector my work falls into, I would lose my drive and yearning to know more! Think about the challenges you face while at work and the steps you take to overcome those challenges. Did you learn something along the way? Who are the people you look up to in your company? I’m sure they too can attest to making mistakes, but they surely have learned from them, which has led to the person they are today. What kind of professional are you on the way to becoming?