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Student Activity Planner
This section was created to serve as a guideline for members to plan their college careers. The main idea is think ahead and consider your options. You have four years to lay the groundwork for your future. Make the most of it and remember to let PRSSA help.
Freshman Year
Now is the time to explore - take advantage of it!
Remember to keep copies of everything that you write, design, create or produce. Go after opportunities with enthusiasm and try to learn a little about a lot of different things. This will allow you to find what you love and help you to decide where you want to be in the future. Consider learning a language or acquiring a skill—such as computer programming or desktop publishing.
The following is a prospective calendar of opportunities in PRSSA. The pace and level of involvement is subjective. Organizing your activities into a calendar, however, will help you attain your goals and plan for the future.
Fall
* Join PRSSA
* Offer to chair a committee
* Assist with fundraising, recruitment and publicity
* Participate in Firm Activities
* Attend National Conference
* Become involved with or begin a mentor program
Spring
* Attend National Assembly
* Run for an office: Secretary, Treasurer, PR Director, Historian
* Apply for National Scholarships
* Apply for several internships through JobWeb
* Assist in organizing a Regional Activity
Summer
* Set goals for PRSSA for the next year
* Organize a tentative calendar of PRSSA events
* Hold an internship*
Sophomore Year
At this point,you should know of several things that you enjoy doing. Take some time to further develop your understanding and knowledge of those things that interest you. Build on your leadership and delegation skills—this will pay off in the long run!
Fall
* Assist President with everything
* Offer to edit the chapter newsletter, revise the budget, improve the Web site, start a chapter list-serve, re- design the chapter/firm brochure
* Attend National Conference
* Attend PRSA functions
Spring
* Run for office-VP or President
* Attend National Assembly
* Apply for scholarships, national awards, compile an entry for Teahan Chapter Awards, apply for internships
* Organize a regional activity
Summer
* Set goals and plan for the next year
* Hold 2nd internship
* Organize or create officer notebooks
Junior Year
This year is a good time to focus on networking. Remember when networking to listen more than you speak, and always ask if the person knows of anyone else you may contact in the field that you are interested in.
Fall
* Attend National Conference
* Organize a Bateman-Case team
* Focus on increasing membership, encouraging Freshmen and Sophomores to become involved
Spring
* Attend National Assembly
* Run for Chapter President
* Host a regional activity
* Run for a national office
* Lead your chapter in submitting a bid to edit FORUM
* Apply for scholarships/awards
Summer
* Hold 3rd Internship
* Organize a plan for the next year
Senior Year
Your main focus this year is going to be your job search campaign. Begin as early as possible so that you can developed a clearly defined plan. At this point, it is important to assess your skills and interests. It may be too late to begin new endeavors and acquire new skills, so if you do not know exactly what you want to be doing, then find something that appeals to you. It may lead to something that you do like and being indecisive with an employer is like flashing a red light that signals them to not hire you.
Fall
* Attend National Conference
* Organize your job search campaign
* Organize your portfolio
* Write your resume
Spring
* Attend National Assembly
* Compile a list of potential employers; send out cover letters and resumes; schedule interviews
* Network with contacts listed in the Friends Directory
* Search JobWeb for job and internship openings
* Apply for PRSA Associate Membership
Summer
* Relocate and begin your career
* Attend PRSA Meetings and learn how you can become involved in chapter activities
* If there are few internships in your area or if you have little experience, consider gaining experience through the student activities office, campus outreach office, public affairs office or campus newspaper. Then if you get the chance, go away for the summer for an internship in a larger city.
Reviewed: 6/4/2009 7:12:39 PM
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