Last week, high school students from across the country came to Washington D.C. for the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in media. With featured speakers like Hoda Kotb of TODAY and MSNBC's Chuck Todd, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference presented by George Mason University was the place to be for rising communications professionals.
Just a few years removed from the experience myself, I was invited to sit on a panel to discuss the current climate of public relations. My fellow panelists and I offered insight on the evolution of PR, tips for executing a variety of tactics, and advice for what to expect upon entering the PR field, and while I was there to inspire them, the experience left me a bit inspired, too.
This industry is ever changing and the job market is tight, so to be told that their generation, with their social media know-how, has the ability to outperform seasoned professionals caused a universal sigh of relief for many whom already have their sites on what comes after the diploma.
Students asked smart questions, and through the process, I realized how critical it is to always have people willing to guide you through your career. No matter what industry, mentors have the ability to transform students into leaders, dreamers into doers, and fresh minds into innovators. Being a mentor goes beyond teaching skills to complete a task, but rather providing the encouragement to think big and self belief. I say this as someone lucky to have encountered many mentors along my professional path. The potential I saw in the conference room last week was limitless and I know there are big things in store as these students start their journeys. I hope that no matter where their careers take them that they never close the door to learning new things or accepting a guiding hand and the rewards both bring.
