As new entrants to the field of PR, we sometimes find it surprising to realize that we actually did it. After years of late night study sessions, internships and perfected resumes, we’ve finally landed our first job. Now the time comes to ask, “what’s next?”

Compiled here is the advice of four young professionals and a peek into their experiences over the course of their first year in the field.

Learn As Much As You Can

It is so important to be eager to learn. Don’t shy away from asking questions or expressing interest in something new. Whether you’ve done it before or not, jump into new projects. You gain experience and can demonstrate your willingness and ability to learn on the go.

Keep Your Cool & Speak Up

There is always a lot going on. In the first year, it can be a bit overwhelming until you get into a groove. Try your best to stay organized and on top of your deadlines. But if you think you have too much on your plate, say something!

Maintain Work-Life Balance

It’s easy to get caught up in work, so be sure to check yourself to make sure you have balance.

Be Curious

Ask questions and learn from your superiors. Also, do your part to stay on top of major media outlets, trending topics and best practices in the industry. Having an understanding of industry trends and current events can help guide client recommendations and business decisions.

Take Notes

Take active notes in meetings, during presentations and on client status calls. You’ll never regret writing down too much, but you’ll thank yourself when you need to remember something important.

Prioritize

Learning to prioritize can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to ask your superiors for help. Once you are able to iron out that practice, it becomes a lot more manageable to get work done. 

Get Involved

Philadelphia has a lot to offer, from major events to professional organizations, there’s no shortage of opportunity. PPRA, for instance, is a wonderful resource for professional development, networking and much more.

Build Your Reputation

Be visible within your office and start to build a reputation for yourself. A little extra time can go a long way, so be willing to offer a helping hand and jump in when you can.

Have Fun

Have fun and befriend your coworkers. You spend a majority of your time with them, so it’s important to enjoy and get to know the people you work with!

One Final Piece of Advice

Your first year in the field is all about setting the foundation for your career, so make the most of it.

Author: Kellsey Turner is a PPRA member and an Assistant Account Executive at Vault Communications. Follow her on Twitter @KellseyTurner and connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellseyturner.

Contributions by: Amy Bonsal, Marketing & Communications Specialist at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; Rachel Christie, Assistant Account Executive at Brian Communications; Colleen Lynch, Assistant Account Executive at Vault Communications.