Increase Your Value and Your Prospects through Professional Development

by Krista Haley, Senior Vice President

As a corporate communications or marketing professional in today’s lean corporate world, it is probably all you can do to keep your head above water with your daily responsibilities. But take a moment to consider your long-term career goals. Do you aspire to move up the corporate ladder? To one day even expand your role to include areas beyond communications and marketing? Then now is the time to invest in your professional development.

Too often, professionals bury themselves in their work and wonder what happened when ten years goes by and they are still in the same position. Or, individuals think that professional development means taking seminars or classes within their field of responsibility to hone their skills in their own job function.

In order to contribute the most value, both to your employer and to your career, don’t stay in your silo when it comes to professional growth. At some point, you may reach a ceiling in your job function. To continue advancing, you will have to take on areas of responsibility outside of your function.

Volunteer for projects in other areas at your organization. Learn how to manage and delegate so that you can take on these new projects (also skills critical for advancement). Take classes or earn a degree in another area, or in general business. Prove your worth by contributing strategic thought to the organization in multiple areas that advance the company’s business goals.

As recruiters for senior-level communications and marketing positions, we look for evidence of a strategic mindset, an understanding of how your function contributes to the bigger picture, and the appetite and ability to take on more and move up. That intellectual curiosity and ambition is invaluable to your employer and to your career.