The Benefits of PRSSA

Wanting to jump start your professional development? PRSSA is the way to do it!

By Brandi Putz

The Simpson College Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is incredibly beneficial for anyone hoping to pursue a career in public relations or anyone who wants to gain real life experience in professional settings.

PRSSA currently has more than 11,000 students and advisors that make up more than 300 chapters throughout the United States, Argentina, Columbia, and Peru.

Through PRSSA, students can make incredible professional connections, gain valuable leadership experience and become eligible to receive scholarships and awards.

The PRSA Central Iowa chapter holds monthly, regional events that allow students in PRSSA to network with professionals from Central Iowa.

I have found these events extremely beneficial as I was recently hired by someone I met at a PRSSA event in October. I encourage everyone who attends these monthly events to take full advantage of them and speak with the professionals who attend because you never know where it could lead.

There are also several national events put on by PRSA, including National Conference and National Assembly. These events are a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved and learn an incredible amount from top-notch professionals in the industry.

PRSSA is also a great way to gain leadership experience. Employers are increasingly seeking individuals who possess leadership qualities, so running for an officer position is something everyone should consider.

Having this type of leadership experience on your resume can give you a major advantage over the competition when applying for your next job or internship.

Another terrific benefit of being a PRSSA member is that the organization offers a wide variety of exclusive scholarships and awards students can apply for. This benefit seems to be underutilized by a lot of students, myself included.

The PRSA Central Iowa chapter only received 20 submissions for the three different scholarships they offered in 2016, so the chances of receiving a scholarship are greater than students may think.

I would encourage anyone who is contemplating joining PRSSA to do so. It is an incredible organization that offers so many benefits. This organization will certainly help you grow on a personal and professional level.