Break the mold: How taking risks can transform your PR career
Tips for PR professionals on how and when to take risks
When I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I enrolled undecided, hoping something would eventually click.
Now, I’m an account executive at an integrated marketing agency and a social media account manager for The PR Habitat. What shifted my career trajectory was when I heard a nonprofit public relations professional speak in one of my classes. For the first time, I could see myself in a career that blended purpose, strategy, and storytelling.
Since then, my journey has taken a few detours. After graduating, I did something unexpected: I moved to a farm in Hawaii for a few months. It was the opposite of a PR agency’s hustle. But it gave me clarity and the confidence to return home and dive into the fast-paced world of agency life.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this:
You don’t have to feel 100% ready to take the next step. Some of the most transformative opportunities come when you take a leap while still feeling unsure.
The leap that changed everything
Take the PR Habitat leadership board, for example. I almost didn’t apply. I remember staring at the application, wondering if I had enough experience or anything “unique” to bring to the table. Imposter syndrome was loud. But I applied anyway, and I got it.
That decision led to some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in the PR space. I’ve helped build a community that now has over 13,500 followers and 1,500 members, and I’ve seen firsthand how emerging professionals can learn, grow, and lead when they choose to show up, even imperfectly.
What I’ve Learned (And what I hope you’ll take away)
For those just starting out or those a few years into their careers, here are a few tangible tips I wish someone would have shared with me:
1. Imposter syndrome is normal, but it shouldn’t be the boss
Doubting your readiness doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It means you care. The people who grow the most aren’t the ones who never question themselves; they’re the ones who push through those doubts and raise their hands anyway.
Try this: The next time you feel imposter syndrome creeping in, write down three things you bring to the table. They don’t have to be huge, just honest. Return to this list when you’re tempted to hold back.
2. Growth happens when you take the risk
From applying for leadership roles to pitching a new idea to your manager, so much career growth comes from being proactive. Waiting until you feel 100% confident can leave you waiting forever.
Try this: Identify one “stretch” opportunity this month, whether it’s speaking on a panel, submitting for an award, or volunteering for a new initiative, and go for it even if it feels premature.
3. You don’t have to follow a perfect timeline
It’s okay to take an unconventional path. Whether it’s a temporary break, a job outside your ideal field, or a role you weren’t expecting, these detours often bring valuable perspective. That farm in Hawaii wasn’t a resume booster, but it gave me space to reflect on what I wanted. And that clarity made me a stronger communicator and more intentional team member when I returned.
Try this: Don’t compare your timeline to others’. Focus on the direction, not the speed.
4. Community is fuel
Getting involved with a professional group like PR Habitat opened doors I never could’ve predicted. Beyond networking, it reminded me that being around peers who are also figuring things out can be incredibly motivating. You don’t have to do this alone.
Try this: Join (or re-engage with) one PR community this quarter. Attend a virtual event, comment on a post or introduce yourself in the group chat. Connections start with small steps.
Final Thought: Courage > Perfection
If there’s one mindset shift I’d encourage every emerging PR pro to embrace, it’s this: you don’t need to be perfect to make an impact. In a constantly evolving field, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than flawlessness. PR pros are always chasing fresh angles and creative ways to secure coverage. Staying curious isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below and join the conversation.
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Meet Kirsten
Kirsten is a skilled communications professional passionate about crafting compelling, results-driven content that helps clients tell their stories with impact. As an Account Executive at Quinn Thomas and an Account Manager at The PR Habitat, she brings expertise in campaign reporting, social media strategy, content development and media relations. Kirsten thrives in collaborative environments, working with a diverse range of clients including Lane Electric Cooperative, a global pharmaceutical company and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to build authentic connections and elevate their public presence.
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