Why I Still Invest in Professional Development

I’ll be hitting a major career milestone over the summer—25 years at HMA Public Relations and 31 years in the profession.  And every day I am grateful for all that this exciting career has done for me.
And there is so much more to learn and that is why I still invest in my own professional development.
Our agency is a founding member of the Public Relations Global Network, an international network of independently owned and operated public relations agencies around the globe.  Scott and I leave tomorrow for Toronto, where our network’s agency partners will gather for three days of lively discussions about new business development, best practices and workplace culture, among other things.  The agenda is full and the learning opportunities will be plentiful.
I have been an active member of the Public Relations Society of America since my senior year in college.  I have attended countless breakfasts, luncheons and after-work networking events with our local chapter.  I have been to several district conferences over the years as well. And as luck would have it, Counselors Academy (CAPRSA), the national special interest section for owners and senior leaders of agencies, is also having its annual professional development conference in Toronto, the day after the conclusion of PRGN.
With topics ranging from how to foster creativity within your team, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility, the CAPRSA agenda will no doubt be beneficial as well.
We make this investment in the entire team – whether that be through conferences, workshops or more formal education – it is important to keep learning.  Our profession is constantly changing and we are better practitioners, better team members and better leaders when we take advantage of opportunities like this.