Top Eight Reasons to Join ISU PRSSA

Now that school is back in session, it is time to start thinking about how to get involved and how to begin building your resume. As young professionals, we are constantly looking for ways to stand out from our competitors to land that perfect post-graduation career.  The Illinois State University Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) can provide the opportunities for just that.

As one of the largest PRSSA chapters in the United States, with over 90 dues-paying members, we pride ourselves in offering members the best opportunities. These range from event planning, fundraising, writing, leadership, and networking. Here are the eight top reasons why our members joined PRSSA at ISU. 

8. Meet people who share your passion.

Students of all majors may join ISU PRSSA and have one thing in common: they are passionate about the field of public relations. A common misconception is that PRSSA is just for those who study public relations. In the industry, professionals are required to wear many hats on any given day, and ISU PRSSA offers opportunities to develop skills in marketing, photography, writing, editing, mass media, graphic design, event planning, fundraising, account management, and much more. From peers to faculty to professionals, the people you will meet through this organization will inspire you by their passion for and knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of public relations.

7.  Networking, networking, networking!

Something that students hear a lot of when they arrive to college is, “It is not what you know, it is who you know.” ISU PRSSA does both—it gives students opportunities to grow in what they know and grow their networks for who they know. Members meet real professionals in the industry by bringing in guest speakers from corporate, agency, nonprofit, sports, and other areas of PR to Chapter meetings. There are also internship opportunities posted each week during Chapter meetings for members to review and pursue so they may gain more experience outside of the classroom.

6. Workshops to sharpen your skills.

By offering workshops each month during Chapter meetings, members receive advice from professionals and professors about how to improve their resumes, LinkedIn and other social media profiles, and elevator speeches. These experts also give tips about writing cover letters and interviewing. These workshops will also give you so much that will prepare you to land a job or internship with confidence.

5.  Become a great leader.

Having PRSSA on your resume is a great bonus when looking for a job, but to make it truly valuable, you must participate. Employers are looking for students who have made successful contributions and taken the time to gain leadership experience. ISU PRSSA offers leadership opportunities in serving on the executive board; chairing efforts in event planning, fundraising, graphic design, and alumni relations; writing content for the Chapter’s blog, Precisely PR, and its newsletter, Premier; and serving as an account executive in our student-run firm, PRogressive Image.

4. We offer committees to expand PR experience.

Relations: Led by a manager, newsletter chair, and blog chair, this committee is responsible for all Chapter publications. All members are welcome to write for Relations programs. Writers improve their writing skills by getting more experience and feedback, practicing AP style, and gaining published writing samples for their portfolios. 

Development: Led by the manager, socials chair, and fundraiser chair, development committee is responsible for Chapter fundraising and planning all Chapter socials. Committee members are instrumental in inspiring members to raise money for Chapter events, from the National Conference to socials.

PRogressive Image: PRogressive Image, or PRi, is the student-run firm that serves real-world clients.  It is lead by a director and account executives that coordinate teams for each client. This year there are three clients in different industries, including nonprofit, entertainment, restaurant, and hospitality.

3. Opportunities to tour PR agencies.

ISU PRSSA dues-paying members are given the opportunity to explore and experience what a day in the life of a PR professional looks like. These tours serve as more great networking opportunities, as members are given the chance to tour and meet professionals working at the largest agencies in the Chicago and St. Louis areas.

2. Attend national PRSSA events.

As a dues-paying member, you are given the chance to experience traveling and meeting students from chapters across the country. There are opportunities to attend events, including National Conference (held in Atlanta this November), Regional Conference, and National Assembly. These events are great ways to learn more about the PR field and broaden your network by getting to know PR students and professionals from all over the country.

1. The chance to be a part of an amazing organization.

PRSSA is a national organization that is made up of more than 11,000 students and advisers organized into 300-plus chapters in the United States, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. It is considered to be one of the best pre-professional organizations that students can be a part of while in college. PRSSA helps you enhance your education, broaden your network, and launch your career in public relations. The ISU PRSSA Chapter itself is nationally recognized. It has earned Star Chapter Award five of the last six years; won the PRSSA Ethics Advocacy Award, the PRSSA Teahan Award for University/Community Service, and the FUNdraising Bowl Winner (two times); and excelled in numerous other ways, including the ISU Civic Engagement Award for the 2010 U.S. Census Bateman Team and State of Illinois Certificate of Appreciation for the Chapter’s 2014-2015 organ donation campaign.

 

We hope you agree that these are more than enough reasons on why you should join ISU PRSSA. However, if you are still not sure about joining, we encourage you to attend our first meeting of the semester on Tuesday, August 25, at 8 p.m. in Schroeder 138 and see for yourself.


By Kimi Sanden