I’m sure you have more than enough things you’ve identified to work on in 2009. Did you include some goals for your professional development? If not, here a few recommendations.
Attend at least two IABC Houston luncheon meetings this year. I know. You can’t take time away from your job. Here’s the deal. Yes you can. Two hours, say every six months, is okay. Really. You need balance in your life. Look what happened to Oprah. Her life became all about work and it caused her great health problems including weight gain. Hearing a great speaker who can advance your skill set, visiting with like-minded communicators who feel your pain, having a nice meal, heck, just getting out of the office and into a new environment can release lots of those endorphins you need to keep sane.
Attend the IABC Southern Region Conference. Before you nix this because of the cost of air travel, surprise! It’s in Houston this year. Tentative date is late October, early November. The theme is Align ‘09. There will be a great line-up of speakers to help you align your career goals. Of course, the best would be to attend the full day and a half conference but if you just absolutely feel you can’t, then select a session or two.
Become a volunteer. The Houston Chapter has opportunities that range from a commitment to a couple of hours a month to serving a leadership role on the board. Getting involved maximizes your IABC membership and hones your skills.
Enter your work for an award. The local Bronze Quill and international Gold Quill contests are currently under way. The regional Silver Quill will be accepting entries later this year. Enter one or all three. There’s nothing like validation and recognition for your good work.
Pursue accrediation. If you are a senior communicator, make this the year that you not only receive validation for your work, but for your knowledge as well. The process is time-consuming. No sugar-coating here. I know. I’m currently going through accrediation steps. Assembling your portfolio is a bitch. But it’s a worthy goal to pursue.
Become a mentor. The latest issue of CW magazine has a great article on the benefits of mentorship. There’s no doubt someone in your department, in our Young Professionals group or our UH student chapter could benefit from your experience.
I wish you all the best in your pursuits this year and hope we all find that balance between work, home, life that sometimes seems so elusive.
