PRSSA members get speedy intro into business world

The Public Relations Student Society Association held a speed-networking event for its members, bringing several distinguished professionals to campus.

The objective of Monday night's event was to help students gain valuable experience in interacting within the professional arena as well as getting tips on how to improve their resumes, interview skills and the opportunity to network that many students would not otherwise receive.

The nine professionals included two representatives from the Kingston Knights, Aramark representatives, who also catered the event, and the executive director of the Pirate Club, Mark Wharton.

The executive board of the PRSSA introduced each guest and gave a brief summary of their achievements.

These esteemed guests were all seated on one side of the table, and the students were lined up and rotated every three-minutes in a speed networking session where students could network and make business contacts.

"The event [gave] students a chance to get tips to prepare for the next step in their careers," said Caitlin Watterson, PRSSA chapter president and senior communication major.

This event is just one of the perks of membership in PRSSA. The organization also hosts public programs geared toward helping students improve their professional skills and portfolios.

"This is a good networking opportunity," said Corinna Aikens, PRSSA secretary and communication major. "A lot of the people here have internship opportunities."

Aikens also commented that a good tip for students to consider when networking is to have a brief summary of who you are, that is concise and informative, along with a resume.

Benefits of PRSSA membership include volunteer opportunities, which help to develop practical public relations skills, the chance to apply for scholarships and awards only available to PRSSA members, plus a reduced membership fee into PRSSA upon graduation.

Members also travel to regional conferences, have access to jobs posted by public relations firms and have a chance to receive a cord at graduation.

"We meet people from the professional world that you wouldn't meet otherwise," said Anna Sowyer, senior communication major. "And we get an idea of how their world works."

PRSSA is a nonprofit student organization that aids future public relations professionals in understanding the ethics and procedures of the public relations industry.

PRSSA also plays an active role in campus and community events.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.