Young Pro

A low cost of living, abundant job opportunities and a welcoming small-town feel are some of the factors that led to Oklahoma City being named the No. 2 top city in the U.S. for young professionals.

According to a recent Forbes study on the top 25 best places for young professionals, OKC is appealing to people desiring an affordable, high quality of life.

The diverse industries in OKC are another factor that draws those starting out in their careers.

Tulsa also made the list, coming in at No. 11 out of the 100 most populous areas that were considered.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Focus Burst™ method tricks your brain into mimicking your fight-or flight response, giving you a short burst of hyper focus. Here are the steps to achieve this: 

• Break down your project into short chunks.

• Set a goal for each short burst. 

• Use an external timer that makes a noise.

• Make your focus time five to eight minutes. 

• Focus on the task with intensity. 

• The short burst should mimic a fight-or-flight situation.

• When the timer goes off, reset it for the same time. Repeat the process. 

The result of these focus bursts can be incredibly effective. 

For more tips, read Brainhacker: Master Memory, Focus, Emotions, and More to Unleash the Genius Within

– Dave Farrow, Farrow Communications

Gen Z – we’re the ones who don’t know life without iPhones, attended Zoom University and are eager to change the world. We’re also the ones entering the workforce. 

We grew up with social media, where communication is a two way street, and we seek work environments that reflect that. It’s about what the job can do for us, not just what we can do for the job. 

Balance means everything to us, but not just between work and life. We want to be trusted and guided, have mentors and be leaders ourselves – be pushed and praised. 

We’re ready to work.

– Keaveny Hewitt, OnWrd & UpWrd, The Association 100

Are you looking forward to a device-free holiday? Make sure to let your clients know ahead of time and set your out-of-office email as a reminder, so that you don’t stress out about not answering emails.

Here are three tips for a more professional out-of-office email:

1. Include key information such as how long will you be gone and when you are coming back.

2. Avoid giving out too much personal information, but let them know you will get back to them as soon as you can.

3. Make sure you use concise language in explaining why you cannot respond to them immediately.

– Cyndee Woolley, APR, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

We’re all guilty of checking our phones too often throughout the day, and most of the time, we’re just doom scrolling or looking for new ways to procrastinate, instead of completing essential tasks.

If you find yourself reaching for your phone a lot throughout the workday, here are some useful productivity tools and apps to help improve your performance and spend less time scrolling and scoffing on social media:

1. TickTick: For time management, tracking tasks and improving your workday habits (the anti-TikTok).

2. Tide: For focus timers, progress tracking and motivational quotes.

3. Scribe: For documenting work processes and increasing workplace efficiency.

– Maggie Medoff, WordWrite, The Pittsburgh 100

Whether you’ve been in your role for a while, or you’re starting a new job and getting acclimated, there’s always room to improve your confidence at work. Here are some pointers: 

1. Cut out self-deprecating language: I know, easier said than done, but being kinder to ourselves in moments of stress can do wonders for self-esteem. 

2. Ask questions: The more you practice speaking up and asserting yourself, the easier it will become over time. 

3. Leave work at work: De-stressing when you’re off the clock will enable you to start the next day more energized and ready for the tasks at hand.

– Maggie Medoff, WordWrite, The Pittsburgh 100

For some people, music is more of a distraction than a motivator. But if you’re someone who needs background noise for stimulation and focus, here are four playlists that will keep you grooving from your chair, all while allowing you to concentrate on the tasks at hand. 

1. Lofi Café: Smooth, mellow beats to vibe to at your desk.

2. Sweet Soul Chillout: A mix of old and new soul. 

3. Indie Pop: Songs that sound like summer. 

4. Snowing at the Castle: Classical tv and movie soundtracks to spark nostalgia. 

And now it’s time to put those headphones on and get to work.

– Maggie Medoff, The Pittsburgh 100

Imposter syndrome can be loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. A negative view of yourself can impose on everyday life, but often in the workplace.

Overcoming negative self-talk can be difficult. Try these tips to help defeat imposter syndrome in the workplace:

• Find confidence outside of work and let it grow into office life.

• Identify a good mentor who can help build your confidence and self-assurance.

• Kick being humble to the curb; allow yourself to be proud of accomplishments and celebrate achievements properly.

• Remind yourself daily that you were hired because of your true capabilities.

– Cassidy Littlewood, Jones PR

Do you remember the feeling, if only vaguely, of a recent college graduate, proud of your accomplishment and eager to prove yourself in the workforce? 

That feeling is still there for 2022 graduates and the job market is welcoming them like never before. Between the pandemic, inflation and other economic factors, there are lots of current trends for graduates to be mindful of:

• The average starting salary is $55,260.

• According to data, students expect to earn almost double the average starting salary right out of college. 

• Job growth and opportunities continue to expand. 

• There’s currently a high demand for workers.  

– MaryGrace Williams, The Atlanta 100

Going back to work in person means office holiday parties are back. Try these five ways to celebrate the upcoming festivities in the workplace this season:

1. Decorate your office or cubicle and have a contest to see who wins.

2. Host a Thanksgiving potluck.

3. Donate to a charitable cause or volunteer as a group at your local animal shelter or food bank.

4. Host an ugly holiday sweater day.

5. Organize a bake-off among the employees.

These ideas will help you get started. Most importantly, have fun and make sure to let the employees and company culture steer your winter traditions and celebrations.

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR

Trying to put an outfit together for a job interview can be a difficult task.

Overall, you should always look sleek, professional and put together. Dress pants and a blouse or a classy dress are suitable options for women. For men, a shirt and tie with a suit jacket and slacks is suggested.

Even if the work environment is more casual and informal, always try to dress better than the standard employee.

You can also add your own flair to your wardrobe. As long as it is appropriate, you can never go wrong with showing off your personality and style.

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR

Joining a professional organization has many benefits, whether you’re interested in expanding and strengthening your network, developing your career or simply want to be involved.

There are a variety of groups to get involved in like OKC Ad Club, Ad 2 OKC, Public Relations Society of America, Tulsa Young Professionals, Young Professionals in Energy, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and more.

Here’s why:

• It’s a great resume builder.

• Networking. Networking. Networking.

• Provides leadership experience and an opportunity to give back.

Once you’ve found one, be as involved as possible. Remember, you only get out what you put in.

– Ashley Glass, Jones PR