Student Labor Worth Hundreds to PR Pros

May 24, 2010

PRSA Colorado members celebrated their successes and offered opportunities to public relations students

DENVER (May 10, 2010) — While members of PRSA Colorado gathered in Denver May 6 to celebrate their achievements at the annual Gold Pick ceremony, students from CSU PRSSA gathered to auction themselves for a day’s work with the highest bidder in order to raise money for the Chapter.

This is the second year that CSU PRSSA has attended the Gold Pick awards as part of a student auction. Students were sold to bidders for a one-day internship, and the money goes to the club to help offset some of the costs of attending the PRSSA National Conference in Washington, D.C.

Before the auction, students networked with the professionals to pass out their business cards for the auction and to collect a few as well. Many of the students were nervous and did not know how to approach the professionals, but Liz Pope of Sevans Strategy gathered a flock of students and introduced them to different groups.

Once the ceremony began, students enjoyed dinner and continued to network with the other professionals and celebrate with the winners of awards. When it was time for the auction, students headed up to the stage eager and nervous to be sold off.

“Remember the person who gave you your first break,” was a phrase the auctioneer, Warren Smith repeated frequently. Fortunately for the students, Gold Pick attendants were generous with the experiences they offer and with their bids.

This year the auction raised $2,070. Some of the winning bidders included Linhart Public Relations, Noodles & Co., JKD & Company and Pinnacle Assurance.

“I’m so excited for this internship,” Jessy Fiser, the student bought by JKD & Company, said. “This really will be my first break into the PR world.”

The connections made and the opportunities given to students while at PRSSA events are invaluable. Developing a professional network and the chance to network and build relationships with Colorado professionals is advantageous for students.

“This year was just as great as last year,” current CSU PRSSA Chapter President Ashley Frost said. “I think what makes this so successful is that the PRSA members remember what it was like when they were trying to get experience.”

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Contact:
Diana Veatch, Communications Director
(303) 358-1760
dveatch@rams.colostate.edu