ADVANCING THE PROFESSION AND THE FUTURE PROFESSIONAL

BY REAGAN VAN CLEAVE PRSSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

BY EMMA FINKBEINER

PRSSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Between PRSSA meetings , part-time jobs or internships and classes , sometimes it can be difficult to check off the boxes on your to-do list and make some time for yourself . Isn ’ t “ work hard , play hard ” everyone ’ s # goals ? If you ’ re anything like me , you probably say “ yes ” to just about everything someone asks you to do and apply for just about every opportunity that comes your way . This isn ’ t a bad thing , but balancing your personal and professional time is important to a healthy lifestyle .

So whether you need some advice to get and stay productive or rather to slow down and make more time for yourself , here are a few tricks to try . These may not

The PRSSA 2016 National Conference is an opportunity unlike any other to grow as a professional . The five-day National Conference will be held on Oct . 21 – 25 in Indianapolis . Conference attendees will be immersed in professional development sessions that cover topics from entertainment to politics to social media . Networking is at the forefront of this Conference , with more than 1,000 students from universities across the country along with numerous industry professionals , all in one location .

Indianapolis , nicknamed “ The Crossroads of America ,” is home to the nation ’ s largest single-day sporting event : the Indianapolis 500 . This year ’ s 100th anniversary brought in over 300,000 fans from around the world . Rev your engines because this race-themed Conference will bring the race experience to you .

While there is plenty of time for personal and professional development during Conference , there are a handful of events designed to give attendees time to wind down and meet with members from other Chapters .

On the first night of Conference , after a long and exciting day of career tours ( pre-registration required ) and Chapter development sessions , we will welcome you to one of the most exciting events — “ The PRSSA 500 ” Opening Night Celebration . This event will truly kick off the Conference since everyone will be in attendance , so feel free to chat and dance with new friends and Chapter members . Dress for the celebration is more casual than the typical business attire required to be worn throughout Conference .

Many other activities are scheduled for attendees , such as the fireside chats and resume critique sessions . Both of these sessions give you one-on-one time with experienced professionals . Make sure you pre-register for these events early because spots are limited .

In addition to these specialized development opportunities , attendees will be able to meet

work for everyone , but these are just a few ways I manage my time effectively .

GETTING AND STAY- ING PRODUCTIVE

Even the hardest working people can fall into a slump . Fatigue , writer ’ s block , that Netflix show you need to catch up on distracting you — it happens to the best of us . But oftentimes , if you can get started on a single task , simple or bold , the motivation to continue will follow . When I have a long to-do list in front of me , I ’ ll often do something easier or quicker than other items on the list , like load my dishwasher or start some laundry . This not only gets me started on a productivity train , but it gives me an opportunity to take a break from work later to finish these simple tasks , i . e ., switch the laundry or put away the clean dishes .

LET ’ S GET VISUAL

I am a person who responds to visuals , and this plays a role in my productivity level in a few ways . First , written to-do lists and calendars absolutely keep me on track . The satisfaction of crossing

see page 6 Views of downtown Indianapolis . Photo courtesy of Downtown Indy .

things off or turning the page in a calendar on a successful week keeps me motivated . Your work space also can be a visual cue for productivity . Before I start my day , I make sure my desk is clean and organized . I like to display my calendar and to-do list on one side of my computer and my trusty cup of coffee on the other . I try to avoid working from my bed or couch as much as possible because those aren ’ t areas I associate with a productive work environment . Finding your own personal space in which you work well , and therefore associating that place with tackling your todo lists , can save you from missing deadlines .

CREATE A SYSTEM OF REWARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Charles Duhigg wrote a fantastic book , “ The Power of Habit ,” that has influenced the way I cue and reward my work routines . Finding the routine that works for you is key . I prefer to set a work schedule each day with goals to meet , but that still allows for unstructured time . During the week , I try to get up at the same time each morning . Habits and cues

BY SARAH DOUGHERTY

PRSSA NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF CAREER SERVICES

The PRSSA and PRSA networks are available wherever you go . One of the most important networks available to members is Champions for PRSSA . The Champions are professionals who have volunteered to share insights and network with PRSSA members seeking mentorship . They are an invaluable resource for members to build relationships and succeed .

This article officially launches the new “ Meet the Champions ” series , which will feature a Champion in each issue of FORUM . Part getting-to-know-you and part professional resource , this series will highlight involvement , advice and entertaining information about the outstanding mentors we have available to us .

MEET GARY

Gary McCormick , APR , Fellow PRSA , a co-chair of the Champions for PRSSA , has been an integral part of the group . His passion for helping students — and the profession — shows in all that he does . The 2015 recipient of The Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service to PRSA ,

McCormick has shown his dedication in a variety of ways . His distinguished service began as Professional Adviser at the University of Tennessee where he supported the Chapter as it grew and rejuvenated . As a result of this effort , McCormick was the 2002 Dr . Frederick H . Teahan Professional Advisor of the Year award winner . He then went on to serve as the PRSA 2010 National Chair .

His experiences far exceed his trophy case , and his impact on the Society is profound . When Betsy Plank , one of McCormick ’ s mentors , first started the Friends of PRSSA , McCormick said it was more like the “ Betsy-and-herfriends ” program . Plank was enthusiastic about providing a more prominent focus on mentorship and leadership , so she worked to raise money for Teahan Chapter Awards and to provide more opportunities for students to engage with members of PRSA . This group evolved into the Champions for PRSSA we know and love today .

McCormick inadvertently became a co-chair of the group in 2003 . He had been nominated for

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