I have read several articles and discussion boards lately offering advice for college seniors about to embark on their first professional communications job. It struck me that a lot of what’s being said could apply to seasoned communicators as well. I offer a few here.
Join and serve. No, not the army. Join IABC, but don’t just write your check and bide your time, become an active member. The best way to meet people is to join a committee and work on a project or event together. No doubt you can see the value of this when you’re just starting out, but networking like this can also help senior communicators. It’s a great way for sole practitioners and potential clients to connect. And for those who have a corporate job, it never hurts to keep in touch just in case your job becomes a victim of the economy.
Never stop learning. IABC members have access to numerous resources–publications, conferences, webinars, blogs, online discussion groups–from the international level to the local chapter. When you graduate college, it’s easy to think you’re done with learning, but it never stops. Sometimes I think senior communicators forget this, too (yes, a senior moment). It’s important to stay current on the latest technology. You don’t have to master it, but be willing to embrace it.
Read and read some more. Even though some newspapers are going out of business, there’s no shortage of material on the Web–especially blogs. In fact, several of our Houston chapter members have their own blogs. Here are a few. Let me know if you have a blog and would like to be listed on our chapter Web site. It’s one more linking opportunity!
Torma Take by Tracy Torma
The Portal by Elaine Krause
BlahBlahBlah by Beth Miller, ABC
Sandra Says by Sandra Fernandez
Salvo at Large by Suzanne Salvo
Think Foresight by Pam McConathy
IABC Cafe byIABC board members and staff
And check out the blogs of our Bronze Quill Awards keynote speaker, David Henderson. He’ll also be guest blogging in this spot in a couple of weeks. Happy Reading!
April 17, 2009 at 8:22 am |
Hi, Theresa! Thanks for the link to my new blog. I’m loving the whole “blog” thing, but (in terms of providing quality content) I’ve rapidly learned all the things I DON’T know. Thanks to you & IABC for providing all of us with oodles of resources and experts who are so generous with their time.