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Category: Professional Development

Is the APR Really Worth it?

June 5, 2012January 31, 2023 Tracy LathanAPR, Blog, Professional DevelopmentClairemont Communications, NCPRSA, PRSA, PRSSA

As the accreditation chair for NCPRSA (North Carolina Public Relations Society of America), our local PRSA chapter, I have been asked many times whether or not getting the APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) is really worth it. My answer in a word: absolutely. This has been a hot topic of conversation as some organizations hold the APR in very high regard (even making it a requirement for employees), while others don’t place the same level of importance on the credential. Having just gone through the process myself, I can confidently say it was a worthwhile experience that has positively impacted my career.

After spending the past 11 years in an agency, I understand that the day-to-day workload demands and other responsibilities of life make the thought of pursuing an APR a bit daunting. While achieving it is certainly doable while working full time, it is a time commitment. If you are on the fence in deciding whether or not to commit to the process, here are a few arguments to help make the decision a little easier.

  • Advancing the profession – Accreditation helps boost our industry’s overall image and increases individual professionalism.
  • Setting yourself apart – I have heard from many PR professionals that they take a closer look at resumes with an APR credential, as it shows that the applicant has taken the extra step and demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Committing to constant improvement – Whether you are in the early stages of your career or a seasoned vet, professional development is critically important. For me, the APR process helped highlight my strengths, as well as identify areas of weakness where I needed to focus a bit more. Aside from the letters beside my name, going through the APR process made me think about things differently and ultimately made me a better counselor.
  • Who couldn’t use a little extra money – There is some research that suggests it may increase your pay grade. Anecdotally, I have heard the same thing from Raleigh PR agency owners and corporate communications professionals.

In the end, whether or not you choose to pursue an APR is a decision only you can make, but I have yet to meet someone who has been through the process and did not feel that he or she benefited from it in some way.  I encourage you to reach out to your local PRSA chapter accreditation chair for advice and support (if you are in the Raleigh area that would be me!). The APR chair can also connect you with other people in your area who are going through the process, as well, which can be a great support network.

Best of luck!

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Clairemont’s Professional Development Philosophy

August 16, 2011January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Professional Development

Last week our team attended a professional development session hosted by the North Carolina chapter of Public Relations Society of America. With live and local association events, webinars, screencasts, podcasts and annual conferences, there’s an abundance of professional development opportunities.

My advice to managers — designate a professional development program and budget. Some companies invest more in top performers, while others allocate resources based on job level. For Clairemont’s approach, see the video below shot by the Start-Thinking team last year when I joined them in Kansas City for a Social: IRL conference featuring Sarah Evans.

My advice to those seeking professional growth — start with the local chapter of your industry associations. Smart employers encourage development opportunities, and most managers are receptive to the time and financial commitment. However, many want to see that you’re committed at a local/smaller scale first. Attending a national conference that includes travel might be a longer term goal and will require you to do your research to show the expected ROI.

Lastly, keep in mind that professional development doesn’t have to be expensive or take time away from the office. If you are truly sincere about wanting to expand your knowledge, be willing to make a personal commitment which might involve doing it during non-office hours.

I’ve started downloading books and podcasts through iTunes so that I can listen and learn on my iPhone while I’m running, driving or walking to get a cup of coffee. What have you found that works for you and your team?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbOsjhPYgX4&feature=related

 

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Managing up, down and all around!

July 13, 2011January 31, 2023 Josephine ButlerBlog, Professional Development2 Comments on Managing up, down and all around!

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting in on Ken Jacobs’ webinar presented by PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) entitled, “Managing Up: Positioning Yourself for Success with Your Supervisor.” While I could go on and on about the things I learned in this session, Ken had a really interesting (and great) idea that I wanted to share with you.

 When you’re communicating with your boss (or anyone, really) follow his/her communication style.

This means if your boss likes quick email updates, then by golly, make it a paragraph. If a client wants an in-depth recap of an important call they missed, then make sure to include every last detail. If something crazy happened but your friend is in a rush, get to the point quickly.

Thanks for the advice, Ken!

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Motivation vs. Inspiration

June 21, 2011January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Professional Development1 Comment on Motivation vs. Inspiration

Whether you are trying to reinvent your business or — like me — trying to get back to a healthy habit such as running, help is on the way.

Lisa Capehart is a holistic wellness coach, passionate about helping women envision, create and live lives they love. She’s doing a webinar on Thursday called An Organic Approach to Cultivating the Authentic You. Since I’ve known Lisa for more than 10 years now, she allowed me to be a bit antsy and request some advice in advance of the webinar.

I told Lisa that I’m struggling a bit to get back to running, and asked how I can get motivated. As it turns out, maybe motivation isn’t what I need. Lisa explained that motivation is tied to thoughts of what I should be doing while inspiration is about things I want to do, and those things will bring me joy. I’m all for joy!

Honestly, I’m trying to wrap my head around this concept, and  I plan to learn more from Lisa about how to identify what I really want and let the changes occur organically during her free webinar on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. ET. In the meantime, here are Lisa’s tips for getting started:

  • Accept where you are now.
  • Be grateful.
  • Make decisions and choices based on your values and priorities.

 

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Investing in Professional Development

November 9, 2010January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Professional Development1 Comment on Investing in Professional Development
We like when our smart friends at Start-Thinking include us in their blog posts. (Thank you!)

Last week, Josie and I attended the annual Public Relations & Marketing Seminar hosted by the North Carolina Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Like the other years I’ve attended, I found this to be a worthy professional development investment. For more on Clairemont’s professional development philosophy, check out this Start-Thinking post from Kristen Klucas on why and how agencies invest.

I had the pleasure of meeting the very talented Kristen when we both attended a Social IRL session with Sarah Evans… yes, investing in our professional development!

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