The Benefits of Continuous Learning

My mom spent her career as a teacher. My dad was an entrepreneur and small business owner. So it’s not surprising I find myself constantly looking for the next opportunity to learn something new. It’s also not uncommon to hear a PR practitioner say they’re a student of the world and curious by nature. If not immersing ourselves in a new industry, we’re reading up on the latest trends, diving into a book or recommending a new podcast. We look for inspiration, opportunity and growth around every corner.

There’s something powerful in learning. Like a great book, it can take you to new worlds. It can also remind you things about yourself you might have forgotten or push you to stretch your limits and challenge the status quo.

I’m fortunate to work for a company that supports continuous learning, be it through the resources provided by our incredible Allison+Partners Learning & Development team or by supporting staff who pursue personal and professional education opportunities outside the company. This spring, I enrolled in NYU’s Stern Executive Education program to earn my Certificate in Corporate Sustainability. Having had the opportunity to help execute award-winning earned media campaigns for companies leading the way in sustainability and build external communications on related issues from climate change to responsible packaging innovation, I wanted to learn even more about the business of sustainability.

The experience not only provided a wealth of knowledge on corporate sustainability and the business value of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG), but it served as a reminder of just what’s so beneficial about learning:

• Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives – The virtual course was comprised of professionals from across the globe, representing different industries, roles and experience levels. Through forum discussions and peer reviews, I learned not only from the curriculum but from their diverse perspectives.
• Getting out of your comfort zone – While I consider myself a continuous learner, it had been several years since I had been in a school setting. Balancing weekly reading assignments, lesson deadlines and a final project with the demands of work and home life shook me out of my comfort zone (in a great and refreshing way) and helped me reprioritize what’s truly important and impactful.
• Finding inspiration in unexpected places – While the focus of the course was corporate sustainability, the lessons and readings provided inspiration in unexpected ways. It sparked new ideas for my clients, new perspectives on my attitudes as a consumer and new connections.

Here’s to the teachers, the entrepreneurs and the lifelong students! Here’s to learning!

Molly is a seasoned public relations and communications professional with experience across a variety of sectors, including consumer packaged goods, technology and corporate. She is responsible for day-to-day operations and business development efforts for Allison+Partners’ New York office and serves as senior lead on accounts. She has expertise in integrated communications strategy, thought leadership and brand purpose with a focus on driving impactful storytelling and results. Molly holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in Communications from Arizona State University.

 

Category: Consumer Brands