Grads Who Stop Learning After College Are Setting Themselves Up to Fail
Photo credit Headway @headwayio
As part of CommPRO's special two-part series asking top communications executives what graduates must know to succeed in 2025, a second unmistakable theme emerged: success will be defined not by what graduates know today, but by their unrelenting commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and insatiable curiosity.
"Active listening and embracing learning are key," said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. "It’s important to stay curious and ask questions and to commit to learning where new technologies and this industry will take us next." Bloomgarden’s advice is a call to action for graduates to constantly evolve alongside the fast-shifting communications landscape.
Alan Shimel, CEO of Techstrong Group, echoed this, warning that mastering AI and digital storytelling will be non-negotiable for the next generation. "Today’s graduates are facing challenges unlike any that prior years graduates have seen before," Shimel said. "My advice is to try and master two things: digital storytelling and AI. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint."
Neil Foote, Founder of Foote Communications, stressed that real-world research habits matter more than ever. "Take the time to research the industry," he advised, highlighting the importance of being a student of ongoing industry shifts, not just classroom lessons. "What are the current and future trends? Are these companies growing? Laying off employees?" Foote's emphasis is clear: intellectual curiosity must become a daily habit.
Kimberly Willis Green, CEO of KW Green Consulting, drove home the critical need for cross-platform versatility. "Master the art of writing for various channels and formats," she advised, reminding graduates that the most valued professionals will be those who continuously adapt their skills to evolving communication platforms and business needs.
Marc Bivona, Professor of Marketing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pushed graduates to become "their own test lab" by building Substacks, TikToks, and podcasts. "Stay relentlessly curious. Subscribe to newsletters outside your bubble. Take calls that feel over your head," Bivona said. "The best communicators know a little about a lot—and connect dots others miss."
Amore Philip, CEO and Director of PR at AOPR, urged graduates to approach their careers with resilience and a hunger for learning. "The world of communications is constantly evolving; what worked yesterday may not resonate tomorrow," Philip said. "Learn to track trends but also question them."
Brenna Clairr Moore, Director of Operations at Pierce Public Relations, focused on the importance of leaning into discomfort. "Lead with curiosity. Raise your hand. Get a little uncomfortable. It’s one of the best ways to grow—and one of the fastest ways to build a career you’re proud of," Moore advised.
Jennifer Tanner, SVP at Look Left Marketing, offered another perspective on continuous growth, emphasizing relentless practice and openness to feedback. "Practice, practice, practice," Tanner urged, reminding grads that learning is a journey, not a checkbox.
Storymining expert Meredith Liepelt, CEO of Rising Star Publicity, added, "Stay curious. Ask questions. Keep your ears open for moments of meaning." Her advice shows that true communicators are perpetual learners, always looking beneath the surface.
Finally, Rachel Schneider, journalist and PRSA member, reminded graduates that life’s unpredictability demands flexibility. "Do not shackle yourself to only one industry, specialty, or communications discipline," Schneider wrote. "Life is long. Be versatile and lead with curiosity in everything you do."
Across every insight, the message is crystal clear: 2025 communications graduates must prepare for careers defined by learning, growth, and adaptability. In a world where technology, platforms, and expectations evolve almost daily, curiosity and the hunger to learn will not just be assets—they will be survival skills.
