Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to be a sponge when it comes to getting career advice. Here are a few things that have guided & helped me along the way:
Know Your Why
In college, a mentor once said that “it’s not about what you do, but why you do it.” That phrase has stuck with me ever since and guides how I approach work and life in general. At work, it’s a way to check in with myself, ensuring I understand the task at hand and how it fits into the larger picture – whether that be anything from a media strategy to the business of our business. More importantly, it helps with finding your voice and defining what you’re passionate about.
Be Curious
Storytelling is beautiful because it transcends time and cultures. Growing up as a child of immigrants, asking questions and being curious was how I learned the best stories about my family. It’s how I connected to my roots. The same thing can be said for PR. I’ve found curiosity to be one of the most valuable tools throughout my career. It leads to that “ah ha” moment for an idea but it can also help you get to know your team better. On the flip side, being curious can also come in the form of listening because there’s a lot of value in not only what is being said but what isn’t. The key is to keep your curiosity alive.
I’ve personally found that when you marry the two it encourages creativity and authenticity – the soul of any good story.
