New Year, New Goals
- Benjamin Katz
- Jan 2, 2023
- 3 min read
Reflecting on 2022 Progress
Where did the year go? It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2022.
The time flying by quickly makes you wonder, “what did I do this year?” With 2023 here, now is a great time to reflect on these past 365 days and the goals you achieved. Looking back at the year helps you plan out what you want the new year to look like.
For me, 2022 was about making progress, both personally and professionally. I went back to school, landed an internship, and built something of an online presence—with my own website and social media.
This momentum is what has kept me motivated and hopeful, while trying to set myself up for success in ways I hadn’t done before.
That said, I still want more.
To say goodbye to 2022, here are a couple of the ways I saw growth and progress this past year, and how I plan to welcome 2023.
Starting Grad School in 2022
Back in 2021, I made the decision to apply for grad school. With the pandemic, I looked into online programs in public relations—a field I was interested in exploring. I was ready to begin pursuing a master’s degree, so I applied for programs that were still accepting applications for the Fall 2021 semester.
I got accepted into the University of Florida’s online Master of Arts in Mass Communication (MAMC) program for the Spring 2022 semester. Because this was my first choice, I accepted that offer and waited a few more months to start. It ended up being a good decision because it gave me time to prepare for being back in school.
My specialization in the program is public relations, but I was interested in the social media courses offered too. Soon, I applied for the social media graduate certificate as a complement to my degree.
I’m glad I did too.
In the summer, I took my first two social media courses and enjoyed them so much. I already learned a lot thanks to the great instructors I had the opportunity to work with.
As a full-time student, I am set to graduate from the program after the Spring 2023 semester, and I feel hopeful for the future after graduating as I have already made progress towards improving my resume with projects and experience.
Experience gained in 2022, Out of the Classroom
One of my main goals that contributed to my decision to go back to school was to reopen the door to internship opportunities. It was my mission to strengthen my resume and confidence when applying for jobs.
Well, in 2022, I achieved that goal.
In August, I began interning for a boutique digital marketing and advertising agency. It was set to run through the Fall 2022 semester.
It has been a great opportunity that allowed me to learn more about search engine optimization (SEO) and social media community management with hands-on experience. I improved my writing, shared my ideas, and learned to better understand target audiences, all while working with a supportive and welcoming group of people.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and interning for the company in the new year.
The Goals I’m Setting for 2023
A lesson I learned from 2022 is the importance and value of setting goals. Whether you’re running a business, creating a social media or PR campaign, or just looking to continue to make progress, goals guide every decision you make.
I am keeping the mindset of moving forward and maintaining the momentum I built up this past year.
Interesting fact, but did you know that only 9% of people successfully keep their resolutions? I’ve never been the biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions, so I decided to just lay out some of my goals for 2023.
Finish the MAMC program with my degree and certificate—I am currently on track to complete the program after taking the PR capstone course and the final social media class I need for the certificate. I plan to graduate at the end of the Spring 2023 semester.
Write more to continue building my personal brand—I rediscovered my love of writing this past year and I just want to do more and more of it. We all have different thoughts and perspectives, so why not share them?
Network More—Networking is hard. It always felt inauthentic and opportunistic. Through Twitter, however, I learned that networking can be fun and filled with ideas and lessons. It doesn’t have to feel weird if you just treat others with kindness and show them that you genuinely care about what they have to say and want to learn from them.
2022 was a big year for me. I am grateful for everyone I met and worked with and the progress I made towards achieving my goals. Sometimes it’s better to break your end goals down into smaller goals that will lead you to where you want to be.
I am looking forward to the opportunities and friendships that 2023 will bring.
Happy New Year!
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