| By: Vivian Vy Lam | |
The first time I heard about PRSSA, it was at Explore SDSU. I already committed to San Diego State University, but I wanted to see what else SDSU could offer me in terms of involvement. I talked to the president of PRSSA SDSU at the time and she convinced me to attend the meetings during the upcoming fall semester.
I only wanted to kick start my public relations career before I graduate, but I’ve gained so much more. I walked in that first meeting of the year and I never looked back.
The Public Relations Student Society of America is the top organization for students interested in PR and mass communication. There are more than 300 Chapters across the U.S. and, if you can believe it, South America. These Chapters all have one goal: to advance the PR profession and the future professional — you. There are a multitude of ways the PRSSA Chapter at SDSU can help you advance your professional development.
Networking
PRSSA SDSU has a history of inviting distinguished PR professionals as guest speakers. These practitioners share their experiences while providing tips that we can apply to our studies, internships and future careers. You might even land an internship because you’ve connected with a guest speaker at a meeting. It’s happened before! Learning career-building skills will give you an advantage over other candidates you’re competing with for an internship or job. This is especially important for all class levels!
Not only can you meet professionals from the San Diego community, you can meet other students interested in the same profession. Of course, you could be competing with them for internships later, but you could be meeting your future co-workers and peers. We try to help each other be our best professional. For example, a student with an internship at an agency could come back and tell you about an opening they have. Doesn’t networking with them sound great now?
Internships & Scholarships
As a PRSSA SDSU member, you’ll have access to a nationwide database of internship and scholarships opportunities. The employers at these internships know that members who are highly involved in PRSSA are qualified, ambitious candidates. You definitely don’t want to miss out on these exclusive opportunities.
Involvement Enhances Your Professional Development
Taking the extra step to be involved in our Chapter will propel your professional development forward. Writing blog posts (like this one) is a great way of getting published and adding a writing sample to your portfolio. The topics can range from what you learn in your classes or internships to industry trends. It’s up to you! Another way to be involved is to volunteer at on-campus events such as Explore SDSU or JMS Grad Gala. Volunteering is another networking opportunity. You’ll meet other PRSSA members and the administration of the School of Journalism & Media Studies. We shouldn’t forget about networking with our professors!
Our Chapter’s executive board positions are another opportunity to step up your involvement to the next level. Get to know this year’s executive board, express your interest in running and we’ll gladly help you prepare. As a leader, you’ll learn managerial, financial and organizational skills that will be applicable to your internships and future careers.
Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
Our Chapter is one of 24 Chapters nationwide that offers the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to students. This certificate sets you apart from other college graduates in a competitive job market. Studying PR at SDSU's nationally ranked program tells employers that you know what you’re doing but getting that certificate shows them you have a deep understanding and mastery of PR.
PRSSA National Opportunities
Not only can you take advantage of our Chapter’s local opportunities, you can also get involved in PRSSA on a national scale. Get published in PRSSA’s national newspaper or blog, run for one of the executive positions on PRSSA's National Committee and take part in national subcommittees. Being a member means you have access to opportunities on a national level.
PRSA Membership
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the parent organization of PRSSA. Being a PRSSA member is an easy segway into becoming an associate member of PRSA. Becoming a member costs $255 annually plus a $65 initiation fee. However, a graduate of PRSSA only needs to pay $60 for the first two years. You’d be saving $515! Joining PRSSA sounds like a smart idea to me.
At the end of the day, joining PRSSA SDSU is up to you to decide. However, we can be resource for you to advance your career, to connect with like-minded peers and to enhance your SDSU college experience. I hope we see you at our first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.! If you have any questions, let us know in a comment below!
I only wanted to kick start my public relations career before I graduate, but I’ve gained so much more. I walked in that first meeting of the year and I never looked back.
The Public Relations Student Society of America is the top organization for students interested in PR and mass communication. There are more than 300 Chapters across the U.S. and, if you can believe it, South America. These Chapters all have one goal: to advance the PR profession and the future professional — you. There are a multitude of ways the PRSSA Chapter at SDSU can help you advance your professional development.
Networking
PRSSA SDSU has a history of inviting distinguished PR professionals as guest speakers. These practitioners share their experiences while providing tips that we can apply to our studies, internships and future careers. You might even land an internship because you’ve connected with a guest speaker at a meeting. It’s happened before! Learning career-building skills will give you an advantage over other candidates you’re competing with for an internship or job. This is especially important for all class levels!
Not only can you meet professionals from the San Diego community, you can meet other students interested in the same profession. Of course, you could be competing with them for internships later, but you could be meeting your future co-workers and peers. We try to help each other be our best professional. For example, a student with an internship at an agency could come back and tell you about an opening they have. Doesn’t networking with them sound great now?
Internships & Scholarships
As a PRSSA SDSU member, you’ll have access to a nationwide database of internship and scholarships opportunities. The employers at these internships know that members who are highly involved in PRSSA are qualified, ambitious candidates. You definitely don’t want to miss out on these exclusive opportunities.
Involvement Enhances Your Professional Development
Taking the extra step to be involved in our Chapter will propel your professional development forward. Writing blog posts (like this one) is a great way of getting published and adding a writing sample to your portfolio. The topics can range from what you learn in your classes or internships to industry trends. It’s up to you! Another way to be involved is to volunteer at on-campus events such as Explore SDSU or JMS Grad Gala. Volunteering is another networking opportunity. You’ll meet other PRSSA members and the administration of the School of Journalism & Media Studies. We shouldn’t forget about networking with our professors!
Our Chapter’s executive board positions are another opportunity to step up your involvement to the next level. Get to know this year’s executive board, express your interest in running and we’ll gladly help you prepare. As a leader, you’ll learn managerial, financial and organizational skills that will be applicable to your internships and future careers.
Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
Our Chapter is one of 24 Chapters nationwide that offers the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to students. This certificate sets you apart from other college graduates in a competitive job market. Studying PR at SDSU's nationally ranked program tells employers that you know what you’re doing but getting that certificate shows them you have a deep understanding and mastery of PR.
PRSSA National Opportunities
Not only can you take advantage of our Chapter’s local opportunities, you can also get involved in PRSSA on a national scale. Get published in PRSSA’s national newspaper or blog, run for one of the executive positions on PRSSA's National Committee and take part in national subcommittees. Being a member means you have access to opportunities on a national level.
PRSA Membership
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the parent organization of PRSSA. Being a PRSSA member is an easy segway into becoming an associate member of PRSA. Becoming a member costs $255 annually plus a $65 initiation fee. However, a graduate of PRSSA only needs to pay $60 for the first two years. You’d be saving $515! Joining PRSSA sounds like a smart idea to me.
At the end of the day, joining PRSSA SDSU is up to you to decide. However, we can be resource for you to advance your career, to connect with like-minded peers and to enhance your SDSU college experience. I hope we see you at our first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.! If you have any questions, let us know in a comment below!
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