How to Build a Long, Successful Career at One Company

  During the early stages of my career, mentors instilled in me the importance of staying in a job for at least two years before exploring other opportunities. I followed that advice for the many jobs I’ve held during my career. That “rule” rarely applies these days. Extreme case in point: One of my mentees…… Continue reading How to Build a Long, Successful Career at One Company

Love Your College Experience? Stay Engaged Through Your Alumni Association

  I loved college so much that I didn’t want to graduate. In fact, I stayed an extra semester just to complete one 1-hour course even though I probably could have gotten it waived. I’ve felt close to my alma mater ever since those 4 1/2 great years that changed the life of this first-generation…… Continue reading Love Your College Experience? Stay Engaged Through Your Alumni Association

Your Story and Voice Matters: A First-Gen’s Guide to Thriving in PR

  By Geoff Curtis I remember my first internship my sophomore year in college. It was my first experience in a corporate office, and I had no roadmap for that world. I didn’t know how to navigate conversations, how to network or how to carry myself. I was lost and was too intimidated to ask…… Continue reading Your Story and Voice Matters: A First-Gen’s Guide to Thriving in PR

Easier to Get Scholarship Cash Than You Might Think; But You Must Apply

  As the annual scholarship season gets underway, now is the time to check out the myriad of scholarships available to college students. Please don’t fall into the mental trap that you would never have a chance of winning. It’s easier than you might imagine. Just think strategically. While the chances of winning a major…… Continue reading Easier to Get Scholarship Cash Than You Might Think; But You Must Apply

How to Lead as a Coach, Not a Critic

  The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. — John Buchan By John Millen Lots of leaders like to be critics. Some have learned to be critical from their parents. Some are deeply insecure. Criticizing makes them feel powerful. Some may simply…… Continue reading How to Lead as a Coach, Not a Critic

‘Luckiest Woman in PR’ Reminds Pros to be Truthtellers

  “We live in a time when truth is being twisted, when myths move faster than facts, and when trust feels fragile,” warned Grace Leong in her acceptance remarks upon receiving the Gold Anvil, PRSA’s lifetime achievement award. Urging PR professionals to “elevate truth above myth,” Grace cited President John F. Kennedy’s prophetic words: “The…… Continue reading ‘Luckiest Woman in PR’ Reminds Pros to be Truthtellers

Page Honorees Endorse Mentorship, DEI and Value of Resourcefulness

  Students and young PR pros aspiring for successful careers will gain important insights and “North Star” guidance from this year’s recipients of the two top Page Society awards – Andy Polansky and Ken Makovsky.  Susan Howe, CEO at The Weber Shandwick Collective, introduced the 2025 Page Hall of Fame Award, Andy Polansky.   “As…… Continue reading Page Honorees Endorse Mentorship, DEI and Value of Resourcefulness

Successful Careers Are More About Impact Than Personal Achievement

  Successful completion of a master’s degree program and its foundation for career success were powerfully woven into a recommendation-filled message by veteran communications leader Kathryn Beiser during her recent “mini-commencement address” to graduates of the PROCOM grad program at DePaul University. “Kathy’s remarks to Cohort 4 were an important and timely reminder that career…… Continue reading Successful Careers Are More About Impact Than Personal Achievement

Senior Pros: Open the Tent 

  Recently, I met a Northwestern communications student who said she wants to pursue a career in fashion PR. Since I had just been invited to a networking event being hosted by one of the most prominent fashion PR pros in my “Rolodex,” I offered to see if it would be OK to invite her…… Continue reading Senior Pros: Open the Tent