TheBeyondWoman Magazine Issue #9 | Page 39

‘ PR BELLE ’ LETMAN

CHARTING A COURSE FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR CAREER

I have always believed that , in large part , I am , we all are , responsible for creating the life we want and choosing a path that is aligned with who we are , our goals , objectives and vision for our present and future self . I take quite an active role in steering my career path and never allow myself to ‘ get comfortable ’ with just doing a job . With that outlook , and knowing that the role I was assigned at the time was not the path I wanted to pursue , I started looking for opportunities to get me back on track with my purpose . Like this quote from one of my favourite books , The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho , states - “… when you want something , all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it ”, the universe indeed conspired and I landed an interview for a Public Relations Officer role at a major financial institution in their Group Marketing Department . I was ecstatic ! It was a company that I admired and was impressed with what I saw of their brand looking on .
I went into that interview prepared to land the job . I did my research , dressed the part , knew what I was about and the value I would bring to the organisation – I was ready , and I showed-up and showed-out . I did not land that job . When I got a call from the company two business days later , I was offered a more senior role – Assistant Manager for Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility .
My initial reaction was befuddlement to be honest . I asked the HR representative to double check to ensure she was calling the right person , as I did not interview for that role . After doing her checks , she gave me an affirmative response – that was the job offered . I was elated and I beamed with pride . It was a major victory for me in taking control of my career and being deliberate about pursuing my passion . I like to think of it as my ‘ on the spot promotion ’ moment and now , four years later , and another promotion ( two and half years in the Assistant Manager role ) to Manager of the portfolio .
I BELIEVE THESE FOUR PRINCIPLES THAT I HAVE APPLIED TO MY CAREER JOURNEY HAVE HELPED ME " IN CHARTING A COURSE TO SUCCESS ."
Always show up Know and define the value you bring to an organisation and always be ready to show how you can contribute to the company ’ s overall strategic objectives and long-term goals .
Get uncomfortable with where you are
People do not grow by staying in their comfort zones . Learn new things , stay on top of the latest information in your industry , stay teachable and be open to learning new skills . Take initiative , do more than you are given and get involved in projects outside of your job description .
Be impatient with your growth Do not wait on opportunities to come to you . Seek them out and plan for your career growth . Have a vision . Align yourself with the right people and expand your network . Do not be afraid to have the talk about your career development .
Be great and make excellence your hallmark
Never settle for mediocrity . Always give your absolute best and pay attention to details . The moment you find yourself doing the bare minimum , it is time for introspection .
Michelle-Ann Letman , the ' PR Belle ' is currently the Manager with responsibility for Public Relations & Corporate Social Responsibility at one of Jamaica ’ s top financial conglomerates . With over a decade ’ s experience in the delivering world-class results in the field of public relations , Michelle-Ann also operates her own agency - ‘ PR Belle Media ’, with a mantra of celebrating her clients ’ every moment .
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