Career Advice from a Top Woman in PR

Pop the champagne: our Managing Partner, Amy Lyons, has been honored as a Top Woman in PR by PR News! At SHIFT, we have the privilege of working with Amy day in and day out. For those who might not be as fortunate, Amy has kindly offered to share some career advice for anyone looking to grow as PR leader.

Career Advice for Millennials (as discussed with PR Week)

When you climb the ranks, your responsibilities, levels of autonomy and expectations evolve. But what should remain steadfast are the values and traits that define you as a person and a PR pro. It’s important to ask yourself:

“What do I want to be known for – to my clients, teammates and agency?”
“Am I at an organization that is culturally aligned to these traits?”
“How can I be my best self and contribute to my organization, while being true to these traits?”

Honestly and thoughtfully answering these questions will ensure you are in the right place and right frame of mind for advancement to happen.

Assuming this, it’s then about looking at all the factors that impact your career path and understanding where you have influence, where you don’t and how to navigate the difference.

A recent study by Deloitte showed that 77% of millennials felt they had total to a large degree of control over their career path.  That is a powerful statistic and tells me that this generation is prepared and eager to take ownership for their careers.  This is great news for Agencies looking for their next crop of leaders.

The delicate balance for those looking for advancement then is to understand how trust is earned and where empowerment can begin. Understand the need to put in the time in the seat, build a professional reputation and showcase your ability to truly engage in something you are passionate about. This is where you can be empowered to make the decisions that will showcase your readiness for advancement.

Career Advice for Growing Within a Company  
The key to my growth within the same company for the last 16 years was an eagerness to always seek out new opportunities. I was always looking for a new area to test my skills, show my value and most importantly, learn in service of the agency. It wasn’t just about my growth, but how my growth helped SHIFT push to its next boundary and opportunity.

My advice to anyone looking to climb the ranks at the same company is to always ground your desire for growth in those areas that also benefit your company. When you can showcase this commitment, it positions you as a natural leader, someone that can help the company achieve its goals in parallel with your personal drive for achievement.

Career Advice for my 20-year-old self (as discussed with PR News)

I’d remind myself to play the long game. Be open to new areas to test skills, show value and most importantly, learn in service of the company I’m with. Rather than focusing on just what’s in it for me in the short term, keep a real focus on grounding my desire for growth in those areas that also benefit the company.

When you can showcase this commitment, it positions you as a natural leader, someone that can help the company achieve its goals in parallel with your personal drive for achievement.

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Congrats again, Amy, and thanks for all you do!

Emily Mong
Senior Marketing Analyst

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