Many individuals in the communications industry spend four years or more in college preparing for their future careers. During those years, students complete internships, shadow jobs and get involved in organizations to help expand their skillsets and learn more about the industry. However, this focus on learning doesn’t always carry into the workforce.
The average American spends 35-40 years in the workforce before retirement. The communications industry is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant, professionals must commit to lifelong learning—a four-year degree is only the start. Regardless of your educational background, staying current with industry trends and continuously expanding your skillset is crucial for long-term success in the dynamic field of marketing, public relations and communications.
I recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with my degree in strategic communications with a concentration in PR and advertising. I remember sitting in my 9 a.m. persuasive writing class during my junior year when ChatGPT was officially released. This was the first time I had heard of large language models, and how they operate. I could have never anticipated the growth of artificial intelligence and the effect on the communications industry since that day, even though it’s only been a few years. The industry evolves rapidly, making it extremely important to continue educating yourself on changes relevant to your specialty. Your education shouldn’t stop when you change the tassel over from right to left.
Since joining the Anglin team, my colleagues encouraged me to pursue several online certifications that will enhance the value I bring to our clients and grow my industry knowledge. Following their advice, I've successfully completed free online certifications in Google Search Ads, Google Analytics, SEO, and Social Media Marketing, equipping me with up-to-date skills, tools and insights to better serve our clients' digital marketing and PR needs. Not only did these certifications refresh my memory on concepts I studied in college, but they also informed me of new developments in search engines, social media and AI. Being aware of these developments allowed me to take new approaches to marketing that I would have never tried before.
If online certifications aren’t appealing, sign up for a seminar or attend a local conference to learn from industry experts on topics you’re not familiar with. The Public Relations Society of America is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with over 300 chapters across the country, including a local chapter in Oklahoma City. Most local chapters meet monthly and offer regular networking events and professional development conferences. Organizations like these provide invaluable opportunites for professionals at every level to keep your skillset sharp for years to come.
Whether you're a recent graduate like myself or a seasoned professional, the key to success in our industry lies in embracing continuous learning growth opportunities. By staying hungry for growth, seeking out new certifications, attending seminars, or joining professional organizations like PRSA, we can not only better adapt to changes in our industry, but also drive innovation in our field. Take that next step in your professional development journey today – your future self will thank you for it.
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