Category Archives: Professional Development

My Goals…Halfway Through 2017

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Oftentimes people set well-intended resolutions at the beginning of each year and forget about them within weeks. At my company’s annual retreat back in January we did something similar, setting goals for the year ahead at work. In addition to setting professional goals, we set personal goals, all of which corresponded to the company’s five values. Having structure provided a great twist on resolutions – and what better time to check in than halfway though the year? Here’s what I’m striving for in 2017.

Be a Knowledge Sponge

Professional goal: Receive a certification, such as Google Analytics or a university accredited continuing studies course.

Personal goal: Learn a new hobby, such as taking a photography course to better understand my DSLR camera.

Status: Incomplete. Time for me to get on this.

Share Your Talents

Professional goal: Lead a new program at my company, similar to when I headed-up our volunteering initiatives and helped with intern orientation.

Personal goal: Seek out new speaking engagements through my Public Relations Society of America involvement and Michigan State alumni network. And blog more!

Status: I’ve basically stayed stagnant with involvement in different organizations this year. Keeping in mind my other goals, it’s time to mix up my involvement to grow personally and advance the organizations I’m involved in.

Keep Promises

Professional goal: Try out new time management / to-do list tracking to manage my time, workload and expectations.

Personal goal: Respond to friends and ‘extracurriculars’ within 24 hours, even if I can’t complete a task for a few days. Keep self accountable for personal deadlines.

Status: While the workload in agency life is ever changing I think I’ve improved responsiveness in my personal life, but continuing to learn to manage my own expectations.

Embrace a Passion for Places

Professional goal: Seek out opportunities to visit client destinations more often, in a way that is beneficial to the client.

Personal goal: Stick to saving so I’m able to travel more and (one day) go on a trip alone.

Status: Still could save a bit more…but happy to say I’ve booked several trips this year and will be doing some sightseeing on my own! Stay tuned for recaps on my 2017 travel to Texas, Chicago, California, Louisiana, Boston, the Netherlands, Germany, and South Korea.

Pursue Happiness

Professional goal: Take breaks and remember that PR / marketing isn’t “life or death.”

Personal goal: Learn to say no. Be intentional in saying yes.

Status: I’ve worked hard at this and it’s beginning to pay off. Balance is key.

How are your 2017 goals going? It’s not too late to get where you want to be this year. Keep yourself accountable and get after those goals!

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Work Life 2015

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Last year was filled will many professional milestones, achievements, learning opportunities, and more. It was my first full calendar year of working full time and living in the same apartment. From traveling to a promotion, it was successful to say the least. Here are the highlights:

She Wolf of Wall Street

In July, I got to accompany Texas Governor Greg Abbott and delegation from the state to the New York Stock Exchange. After planning and implementing the visit, we got to watch the ringing of the Opening Bell and a live CNBC interview from the NYSE floor. Since walking down Wall Street every morning on my commute, I finally got to see what was behind the large pillars and security.

Triathlon Champion

Early August, I participated in my second DCI-sponsored race, this time the Central Park Triathlon. I placed first in my age group, winning a nice plastic trophy for my desk. The race consisted of a 400m pool swim, 12mi bike around the park and 3mi run mostly uphill — I clocked in at 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Dutch Dream

Taking a project on the road (or should I say: overseas), I escorted my first press trip — to the Netherlands, nonetheless! We hosted six American medtech journalists on a whirlwind four-day tour of the country. After, I went sightseeing for three days in Amsterdam, with stops including the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Brewery and Amsterdam ArenA, where I attended the Amsterdam Music Festival (my first EDM event) with the world’s top DJs.

Power Presenter

After a fulfilling year on the PRSA New Professionals Section Executive Committee, I took my first trip to Atlanta to attend PRSA’s International Conference. I spoke on a panel about cross-training in your career, while also managing to attend a large number of sessions, catch up with old PR friends and explore the city.

An New Type of Executive

I can’t think of any better way 2015 could’ve wrapped up than my promotion at DCI to Account Executive. Adios to the ‘assistant’ on my business cards. Here’s to another great year with fulfilling client work and amazing colleagues.