A professor’s outlook on her student’s work can sometimes dull with the daily wear and tear as we grade press releases, critique newsletter design and help future practitioners understand how to properly deploy a survey, among other things.
But there are moments when in a wave it all washes over and one can’t help but marvel at how much these future practitioners can do with a little direction and a lot of creativity and drive.
Wow. And I mean wow.
Though we are in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in American history, you would not have realized it in San Diego. More than 1,000 students traveled from across the country to attend the PRSSA 2009 National Conference, which exceeded the registration limit.
This speaks to the drive and determination of the future of public relations. Attending Conference is not cheap, yet the professional development value is worth so much.
Continue reading " Recapping the PRSSA National Conference "
I am from Detroit. I love Detroit. I am proud that we hosted this year’s PRSA 2008 International Conference. After over a year of anticipation, I can honestly say that it surpassed my expectations. Being that I was a member of the PRSSA 2008 National Conference: Driven to Distinction planning committee, it may seem somewhat out of place to think that way, but for any student planning an event of this magnitude, it is impossible to imagine the outcome.
Out of all the events planned for the Conference, I must say I was looking forward to the PRSA opening night reception the most. For some it was the excitement of the band, and for others the food, but for me it was the ability to stand next to the professionals that I one day hope to be. Each person I spoke to was inviting and excited for the opportunity that this event presented. Granted I loved the band and the food, but most of all I loved the networking. A while back when I was researching joining PRSSA I found this on the Web site: “In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.” After much reflection I believe this event, and for that matter this Conference, encompassed all that our professional and student societies have been striving for. As I walked from place to place during this event I saw students and professionals engaged in conversation and exchanging laughs as though they had known one another for years.
Three years ago, as a more timid young public relations star just starting to spread my wings, I received an opportunity that changed my professional life. I almost missed out on this opportunity because of the fear I felt having very little experience in public relations at that time in my life. More of a fluke than anything, I was given the chance to lead the 2006 Bateman Case Study Competition at my alma mater, Michigan State University. I was scared, excited, overwhelmed and intrigued all at the same time. I wondered why the Executive Board of our Chapter had so much faith in me and if I could really handle this job.
Mistakes were made, but more importantly, lessons were learned. The mistakes I made during that campaign helped me learn more about the field of public relations and, while at the time I thought my short-lived career in public relations was over, it was really just beginning.
Continue reading " What I Learned From a Guy Named Bateman "
Diane Gaysesk Ph.D., associate dean at Ithica College and founder of Gayesky Analytics, shared her tips on connecting with Nexters. A generation born between 1982 to present. Nexters are generally idealistic and moral. They learn by playing, are team oriented, will hold out for meaningful work and were born in a trophy child era.
Read Diane’s original post about Nexters too.
