The importance of core values in both your personal and professional life
Feature writer: Liz Sauve
Resident student blogger and aspiring PR professional
The world of networking and networking events is something relatively new to me. Having recently completed my Certificate in Public Relations and ventured into the exciting world of professional volunteerism (shout out to YWiB!), I have been exposed to some admirable individuals who have taught me about their paths and the industry, and inadvertently I have learned valuable things about my own character along the way.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the last nine weeks, and one I’d like to share with all of you, is about core values. Core values are pillars that people and businesses alike use to form the foundation from which they will grow. One message that has been repeated to me is the importance of your core values aligning with those of your employer. Sure, to a newbie like myself, this sounded important… but I couldn’t help but think that in the world of corporate communications, I may have difficulty satisfying my core values – that this alignment would be the ‘dream job’ type situation that is often difficult to come by, and that I couldn’t and shouldn’t expect this right out of the gate.
I was wrong.
When it comes to finding the perfect partner we’ve all heard the old adage, ‘when it’s right, you just know’. I now know this can be said for finding the perfect job. I was lucky enough to have my core values satisfied and in alignment with my employers during my first foray into the business world, a practicum on the brand and communications team of a large corporation. It’s true: when it’s right, you just know. And until it’s right, you won’t understand that satisfaction, that feeling.
I left work fulfilled everyday and feeling that I was making a difference with each blog post, communications plan and conversation. When your employer and team believes in similar values as you, there’s a certain passion that is ignited to do your best and work together to create positive change.
When recounting my experience to my class after the practicum was over, I may or may not have had tears in my eyes (okay it was the former), when explaining the feeling of that connection when you know it’s the right fit. Doesn’t everyone want that in their job? Doesn’t everyone want to wake up each day excited to work and feeling proud about what they do, and who they do it for? I now know that I do.
I encourage all of you to take the time to list your core values. I believe core values are the foundation of our character, however as humans I recognize that we are constantly evolving. Therefore, so are our core values, perhaps slightly shifting over time due to life’s twists and turns. Study your core values and then study those of your employer or potential employer. Do they align? If so, you’re likely headed down a path filled with success and most importantly, professional fulfillment.
If you’ve found this, I am happy for you. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to keep searching. It may sound cliche, but I can promise that if you don’t think you’ve reached this alignment yet, then you haven’t. Because when it’s right, you just know.
Follow Liz on Twitter: @lizsauve
