Written by PRSSA member Graciella Regua
As a self-proclaimed quote fanatic, I compiled a list of some of the best advice I heard as a delegate in Austin, Texas at PRSSA National Assembly.
“Communication happens in the mind of the listener.” –David Grossman, APR, ABC
As someone pursuing a career in public relations, it is amazing how often I find myself talking without pausing to listen. Listening is the other half of communication, and arguably the more important one. Without an attentive audience, there is no point in trying to effectively communicate a message. This helped me realize that if I want to improve my communication, I need to both take the time to listen to others and make my words significant when it is my turn to speak.
“We spend too much time trying to be good professionals instead of just good people.” –Don K. Egle, MBA, APR, ABC
The energy in the room changed immediately after this was said, and for good reason. It served as a reminder that as growing professionals, it is important to evaluate who we are in our personal life. Egle emphasized the idea that there should be no difference between these two parts of our lives. We should constantly strive to be consistent in our actions, no matter the setting. As Egle argued, this authenticity is what makes a "good" professional.
“Your personal brand is not just about landing that first job, it is about landing your second, third and every job after that.” –Kelly Davis, APR
As students, it is so easy to forget that we are here to build careers, not just land a job or an internship. How we choose to define ourselves and the actions we take to meet those definitions will shape where our lives take us. It is so crucial that how we brand ourselves aligns with who we want to be beyond the first step in our careers.
“If you’re uncomfortable in a position then you are learning, and that’s great.” –Brandy King, Southwest Airlines Communication Director
Being uncomfortable is one of the best ways to both recognize who we are and what we want. Going to National Assembly was extremely uncomfortable. I felt overwhelmed and downright skeptical if I could represent my chapter well. However, I left with new friends, experiences and a reaffirmed love for my school and major. There is a certain bravery that comes with allowing yourself to be uncomfortable and it is something I am inspired to do more often.
“Be yourself. Know yourself. Have quiet courage.” –David Grossman, APR, ABC
This was such a fantastic thing to hear on the last day of National Assembly. It wrapped up the biggest takeaway from my entire trip, which is how incredibly important it is to be to true to ourselves. It is a cliché saying I used to roll my eyes at, but remains undeniably accurate. If we want to succeed we must first take the time to understand who we are at our core. As Grossman put it, that process takes courage but the payoff is more than worth it.
As a self-proclaimed quote fanatic, I compiled a list of some of the best advice I heard as a delegate in Austin, Texas at PRSSA National Assembly.
“Communication happens in the mind of the listener.” –David Grossman, APR, ABC
As someone pursuing a career in public relations, it is amazing how often I find myself talking without pausing to listen. Listening is the other half of communication, and arguably the more important one. Without an attentive audience, there is no point in trying to effectively communicate a message. This helped me realize that if I want to improve my communication, I need to both take the time to listen to others and make my words significant when it is my turn to speak.
“We spend too much time trying to be good professionals instead of just good people.” –Don K. Egle, MBA, APR, ABC
The energy in the room changed immediately after this was said, and for good reason. It served as a reminder that as growing professionals, it is important to evaluate who we are in our personal life. Egle emphasized the idea that there should be no difference between these two parts of our lives. We should constantly strive to be consistent in our actions, no matter the setting. As Egle argued, this authenticity is what makes a "good" professional.
“Your personal brand is not just about landing that first job, it is about landing your second, third and every job after that.” –Kelly Davis, APR
As students, it is so easy to forget that we are here to build careers, not just land a job or an internship. How we choose to define ourselves and the actions we take to meet those definitions will shape where our lives take us. It is so crucial that how we brand ourselves aligns with who we want to be beyond the first step in our careers.
“If you’re uncomfortable in a position then you are learning, and that’s great.” –Brandy King, Southwest Airlines Communication Director
Being uncomfortable is one of the best ways to both recognize who we are and what we want. Going to National Assembly was extremely uncomfortable. I felt overwhelmed and downright skeptical if I could represent my chapter well. However, I left with new friends, experiences and a reaffirmed love for my school and major. There is a certain bravery that comes with allowing yourself to be uncomfortable and it is something I am inspired to do more often.
“Be yourself. Know yourself. Have quiet courage.” –David Grossman, APR, ABC
This was such a fantastic thing to hear on the last day of National Assembly. It wrapped up the biggest takeaway from my entire trip, which is how incredibly important it is to be to true to ourselves. It is a cliché saying I used to roll my eyes at, but remains undeniably accurate. If we want to succeed we must first take the time to understand who we are at our core. As Grossman put it, that process takes courage but the payoff is more than worth it.