FORUM
FALL 2018
Vol. 51, Issue 1
www.prssa.prsa.org/forum
Thoughts from the
President’s Desk:
How to Make Your Fall
Semester Count
By Andrew Young
National President
The question most students ask me is, “What can
I do to really stand out when I look for a job?” With
so many people fighting for the same openings, it’s
important that you stand out as much as possible
from the other candidates. You’ve already made
the best first step by being a member of PRSSA so
congratulations on checking that one off your list. The
next thing I would recommend is to get some relevant
certifications that will benefit you in the workplace.
First get your Certificate in Principles of Public
Relations through PRSA. Then consider certifications
through Hootsuite, Google Analytics and Google
AdWords, which will teach you ways to measure the
work that you’ll be doing and showcasing your value.
Building your network is one of the most beneficial
things you can do as a student. I know countless
people who have gotten jobs because of someone
they knew. As public relations practitioners we’re
tasked with building relationships, so why shouldn’t
we do it for ourselves? As a PRSSA member, the first
place you should look is within your own Chapter.
Then, make sure you utilize your PRSA sponsor
Chapter and attend as many events as you can.
Most PRSA Chapters host luncheons or mixers and
invite students, these are great places to connect
with professionals in your area. I met the person who
hired me at my current company during a PRSA young
pros mixer that I just happened to attend. My favorite
networking event is the PRSSA National Conference.
This is a great time to meet other members from
across the country. Conference is where I met my best
friends and learned more about the industry that I
love.
Finally, visit every company you think you might want
to work at or think you could learn something from.
You’d be surprised how much you can learn from
spending a day at a company and watching someone
work. It’s also a great way to build your network and
meet someone new. I think you’ll find that most
people want to help you in any way that they can.
So don’t be afraid to send an email to someone you
found on LinkedIn or never met before. Take a leap
of faith and you might be surprised how much it pays
off.
OPEN
FORUM
2
Discovering the Art of PR
By Elissa Butler
University of Texas at Austin
As the semester kicks off, the PRSSA
National Conference is the top event
on every member’s mind. This five-day
gathering of members from every corner of
the country—and even from other parts of
the globe—is a fantastic way to grow as a
student as well as a future public relations
practitioner. Set in the scenic and buzzing
city of Austin, Texas, this year’s National
Conference offers a wide variety of
activities as well as fun-filled networking
opportunities that only a national event
can provide.
In a city filled with a rich
backstory and array of
cultures, this Texas city
always delivers on its
reputation for individualism while also
providing a beautiful portrait of citizens
in sync. In many ways, the Conference
does the same thing. Each year, we get
the opportunity to come together to share
in our growth, ideas and experiences in a
truly impactful way.
This year’s Conference will emphasize
all of the innovative ways our industry is
changing while simultaneously honoring
its roots. The Conference kicks off with
a busy day of Career Tours and Resume
Critiques for those that have pre-
registered for these exclusive
opportunities. Cue the “Far Out
in Austin” opening night social.
Come together with your Chapter
to see old friends, make new ones and
boogie down Austin-style with lava lamps,
snacks and tie-dye galore. You may even
have the opportunity to win some prizes.
Read about how
brands utilized the
World Cup to their
advantage and
what public relation
impacts the sporting
event has.
4
The Conference will also feature
a multitude of professional
development breakout
sessions where attendees
will get the chance to hear from
experienced professionals on the rising
trends and practices in the public relation
industry. In addition to this collection of
opportunities throughout Conference,
there will also be a Career Exhibition
where students will have the chance to
speak with recruiters from agencies and
universities about their future. Be sure
to bring a copies of your resume and
business cards because you may have
the chance to snag the position of your
dreams.
Unfortunately, the sun eventually sets in
the big ole Texas sky. The Conference will
come to a close with, “The Capital Gala”
Awards Ceremony and Dinner to celebrate
the achievements of student leaders in
the Society.
The Conference Committee looks forward
to welcoming you to our beautiful city from
Oct. 5–9. Visit the PRSSA
Conference website for
more information, and be
sure to follow us on Twitter
and Facebook @PRSSANC
to stay up-to-date with the
latest news!
With National
Conference right
around the corner,
check out the top
ten things to do in
this year’s host city
Austin, Texas.
Register now!
Registration
Deadline:
September 7th
6
To help kick off your
school year, learn
how, why and when
you should network
with your professors
and teaching
assistants.