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School is in session, even if you’re no longer in college.
PR pros looking to stay ahead of future trends related to their work can continue to be a student while balancing a full-time job.
Even if you don’t have a ton of extra time in your schedule, here are ways to integrate learning opportunities:
Time commitment: Minimal
1. Read trend stories and industry blogs.
While scanning the news, read stories about industry trends and incorporate industry blogs as your go-to resources. It’s an easy way to stay relevant with what’s happening in the industry. Knowledge adds up incrementally throughout the week.
2. Network to learn from friends and other communicators.
When you get together with friends who work in the same industry but in different organizations or functions, talking about the office is inevitable. These conversations can help you think about tools or solutions you can implement, and you can identify opportunities you might not have previously known.
3. Subscribe to educational resources.
Instead of searching for information, have it sent to your address, email or phone. Magazines, e-newsletters and podcasts are easy to access (and digest), and there’s a resource for almost everything you’re interested in learning.
Time commitment: Medium
4. Attend conferences or events.
Taking a day (or night) off to attend a relevant event can provide learning opportunities that can inspire creativity become fodder that you can incorporate into your work.
5. Plan an educational program for your team.
Put together a lunch and learn,