By: Abby Fischer
Deciding to join any RSO can be challenging, and often the question we ask ourselves is, “what’s in it for me?” Here are some of the main benefits of PRSSA and why PR students should join.
Networking
We all know the famous saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Through PRSSA, you’ll be able to meet other PR students, at CMU and at schools across the country if you go to conferences. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak one on one with speakers who come to PRSSA meetings or conferences who could help you get a job or internship. Building your network is important in any profession, but in PR it’s necessary. PRSSA makes it easy to build your network, which makes it one of the best reasons to join.
Building your resume and portfolio
If you join a committee within PRSSA, you will gain portfolio pieces or experience for your resume like blog posts, newsletter writing and event planning. It’s a very small time commitment to join a committee, and it’s well worth it to have that line on your resume.
Access to internship listings
As a PRSSA member, you’ll have access to the PRSA JobCenter where you can search for internships available only to PRSSA members. This is a great place to start looking for internships if you’d like to work outside of Michigan since the list is nationwide.
Travel opportunities
Members of PRSSA have several opportunities to travel throughout the school year for regional conference and national conference. Members get to enjoy the conference and expand their knowledge in the profession, but the conferences also allow for free time to explore a new city. Next year’s national conference will be in Austin, Texas.
Scholarships
PRSSA members have access to scholarships through PRSSA’s website. Every year more than $30,000 is awarded to members. Amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000, and there are more than 20 awards members can apply for.
Make sure you stop in at our next meeting to see what PRSSA is all about and start enjoying all the benefits!