Navigating the professional world as a young public relations (PR) professional has been an exhilarating new phase of my life. I have always been career-driven, receptive to challenges, and eager to learn. Despite these tendencies, the start of any career can be daunting. The pressure to perform, make a positive impression, and quickly adjust to industry jargon can subdue your confidence. It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed with insecurities.
The inevitable “Imposter Syndrome” creeps in, exacerbating your uncertainties and undermining your hard work and accomplishments.
So, how am I working to silence my inner critic? I sat down with the SalterMitchell PR team to ask them about their experiences and advice. Here’s what they had to say:
“I was always focused on the next thing. I was having imposter syndrome because I never took time to reflect on all the things that I had accomplished,” said Heidi Otway, president and partner. “One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor was to write down each and every one of my ‘wins,’ whether that’s securing a major story placement in the media for a client or receiving a compliment from your team members on your recent report. I decided to write down what I had accomplished in my career, and it was like therapy.”
“I was always focused on the next thing. I was having imposter syndrome because I never took time to reflect on all the things that I had accomplished.” - Heidi Otway, President + Partner
Tangibly seeing the steps you’re taking towards long-term success can dampen the inner critic, help you realize your value, and build your confidence.
“We're the key demographic that people are trying to market to right now. Our insights are really valuable in PR. You always have something to offer,” said Kaitlyn Kelley, project coordinator.
The key is “not selling yourself short and downplaying your skills or the results you achieve in a campaign,” noted Lauren Toner, marketing and advertising director. Oftentimes, you might catch yourself underselling your accomplishments as a way to manage others’ expectations, especially when comparing yourself to more established professionals around you. Language plays an integral role in how you see yourself and how others see you. When we communicate our value and believe in it, others believe in it, too.
Creative Director Vanessa Guirey shared insights she learned from a young professionals keynote speaker. “When people ask ‘how are you doing?’ Instead of ‘I'm busy,’ you say ‘I'm in demand,’” she said. “It’s a different energy. People need my skill set and people need my presence.” This is just one example of how changing the way you speak about yourself can help you recognize your value as a team member.
“The biggest thing that I struggled with when starting out and working with other designers is understanding that my creative process might be a little bit different than someone else's,” Vanessa said. We are often kinder to others than we are ourselves. It can be helpful to focus on what makes you unique and recognize what value you bring to your team. Instead of feeling inadequate when thinking about what others do well, take inspiration from what others do well and use that to better your craft.
“I think it's good to find community in your career. You never know when you'll need to feel supported or need advice on something. Have people that you can count on,” said Kaitlyn. Whether you choose to join an association to connect with like-minded professionals in the field or depend on your supportive friends and family members, finding community support can help uplift you, center you, and remind you of your significance.
“I think it's good to find community in your career. You never know when you'll need to feel supported or need advice on something. Have people that you can count on.” - Kaitlyn Kelley, Project Coordinator
“It's so easy to just work constantly,” said Lexie Savedge, public and media relations manager. “I almost feel like it's more important now that we set boundaries for ourselves to take a break, because if you don't… I don't think you will come back to work with the same abilities.” When you feel like your inner critic is getting louder, that’s a good sign to give yourself a mental break.
“I almost feel like it's more important now that we set boundaries for ourselves to take a break, because if you don't… I don't think you will come back to work with the same abilities.” - Lexie Savedge, Public + Media Relations Manager
When you step away from what you’re doing for even just 10 minutes and give yourself time to recharge, it’s also much easier to see the big picture and return to your work with a new perspective. “Sometimes when you’re working, you're looking at the trees. Pull back and see the forest to look at what you're creating,” Heidi noted.
Building confidence early in your professional career takes time and effort, but knowing your value and celebrating yourself isn’t just for your career, it’s for your life. When you learn how to navigate the challenges associated with this transition, you will jumpstart your success!
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