PRSSA Internships: Career Resources

Professional Transition

The fourth year of college is particularly stressful for students. Many are waiting to graduate, and on top of completing their studies, are simultaneously beginning the job search. This transition from student to professional can, at times, be stressful. This page gives tips on how to make sure that the transition process is successful.

What you may need to transition:

Portfolio

At the start of your last semester, begin creating a portfolio
Take writing samples and other examples of your work and add them to your portfolio
Continue adding pieces throughout the semester until it is complete

Informational Interviews

At the start of the last semester, begin scheduling informational interviews with individuals in a variety of positions at different companies that interest you
Inquire about the company, the hiring process, the work atmosphere and any other questions that you may have; this is an opportunity for you to interview them

Apply for PRSA Associate Membership

The price is $60; apply through the PRSSA website
Access to all PRSA member benefits at the national and Chapter (at an additional fee) level, including JobCenter
Attend Chapter meetings for networking opportunities

Apply for PRSA New Professionals Section

Annual dues: $20
Access to all Section benefits (see below)

Network, Network, Network

Attend PRSA Chapter meetings and events
Attend more informational interviews and establish connections

Communication

Be sure to communicate regularly with those who have helped along the way
Establish and maintain all connections made
Rely on mentors and peers for professional support and advice

PRSA Associate Membership

PRSSA offers graduating seniors the opportunity to apply for PRSA Associate Membership. For the first two years after graduation, those who apply will pay $60 for yearly dues.

The Associate Membership gives new professionals access to all PRSA member benefits at a discounted price. New professionals will have the opportunity to involve themselves in PRSA Chapter activities and networking opportunities. If you choose to join your local PRSA Chapter, there may be additional Chapter dues.

PRSA New Professionals Section

The New Professionals Section is a community of PRSA members with less than three years experience in the public relations profession.

The New Professionals Section is dedicated to helping ease the transition into a professional career in public relations. This section offers its members networking opportunities, access to New Professionals webinars and advanced professional development.

Price: $20/year

Benefits of New Professionals Section:

Networking
Resources: articles and case studies
Webinars
Discounted networking events
Newsletter
Volunteer opportunities

For more information regarding PRSA New Professionals contact the Section chair .

10 Tips for PRSSA Members Entering the Job Field

Attend Job Fairs – Job fairs provide an arena for practice, and practice makes perfect. Job fairs host a variety of employers and opportunities, which provide students with an opportunity to network and create relationships with employers.
Connect with the Champions for PRSSA – Student members have a network of PRSSA advocates around the country who are committed to assisting in the professional advancement of the next generation of public relations practitioners. The Champions can provide professional advice and guidance.
Attend Regional Conferences – Regional Conferences provide PRSSA members with a day or two of professional mentorship and networking. PRSSA members have an opportunity to broaden their professional network.
Be Open – One of the biggest mistakes PRSSA members can make when looking for a job is to restrict themselves geographically or by industry. It’s important to explore all of the options.
Dress the Part – First impressions are powerful. Men, it’s important to look sharp and clean. Ladies, finding the perfect balance is hard, but incredibly crucial. Purchasing business attire can be expensive but is an important investment.
Tap into your Resources – The public relations world is small, and PRSSA members can use this to their advantage. Contacts made through PRSSA and prior work and internship experiences can aid in the job search.
Attend PRSA Chapter Meetings – A strong relationship with a PRSSA member’s parent Chapter of PRSA is a tremendous advantage while searching for job. Attending PRSA events helps with the transition to professional life.
Communicate – Keeping a healthy stream of communication helps nurture the relationship with employers. Without overwhelming employers, a simple email demonstrates passion and care.
Post-grad internships – Post-grad internships can be a great option for public relations graduates. They can provide PRSSA members with additional experience and more time to dedicate to the job search.
PRSSA 2011 National Conference – Networking, professional development sessions, job fairs and the list goes on. The National Conference atmosphere ignites the PRSSA passion and prepares PRSSA members for a successful transition to the professional world.