The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

PRSSA not just a resume builder

Student organizations exist on college campuses for a reason. The friendships they cultivate, the experiences they can offer and the passion of those who are involved are unmatched characteristics that a student organization can offer that many classroom settings cannot.


Student organizations exist on college campuses for a reason. The friendships they cultivate, the experiences they can offer and the passion of those who are involved are unmatched characteristics that a student organization can offer that many classroom settings cannot.

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All of that sounds good, right? Well, unfortunately, some organizations merely serve as a tag line on a resume rather than a learning experience that will help the students involved to gather invaluable experience and knowledge in their fields. Sound familiar? Well, luckily, some student organizations come out of this slump – all it takes is a little passion.

The Public Relations Student Society of America is one of those student organizations that, until recently, acted solely as a resume builder for members rather than an interactive learning experience for those involved. However, it was the passion of some of the members that really got things moving for this organization.

Although listening to speakers in the public relations or related fields talk about their experience is important for members, the members were craving something more. The PRSSA had so many opportunities right at its fingertips – it just needed an extra boost to take advantage of them. A couple of eager members decided to help make a membership with Akron’s chapter of the PRSSA an experience to remember.

The executive board of the PRSSA as well as the board of committee chairs as elected for the spring semester of 2011 had a passion for public relations and wanted to get the most out of the organization as possible while helping the other members get more involved, too. This meant taking a lot of new steps to get new initiatives up and running.

The first initiative is to garner a stronger relationship with the Public Relations Society of America chapter in the city of Akron, which is full of experts and professionals in the public relations field. Though some members of the city’s PRSA had been speakers for our campus’ chapter previously, members at the student chapter wanted to begin building better ties with these experts. Luckily, the students have been presented with an opportunity to help with a study that the experts are undertaking this summer. Working side-by-side with experts is a great way for the students of the PRSSA to gain insight into the public relations field, as well as achieve professional level experience.

The students were hoping to become a more active organization on our own campus as well. To do so, the students organized a professional development fair in which all students on campus were invited to have their resumes and cover letters looked over. Additionally, students were provided with the chance to talk with professionals from our campus’ Career Center for interviewing and networking tips.

Next, the PRSSA decided it was time to take advantage of the learning opportunities designed with their interests and studies in mind. Akron’s PRSSA chapter took a day trip to The Ohio State University to participate in a Regional Activity held by OSU’s PRSSA chapter. This trip provided members with the opportunity to network with professionals, get to know their fellow PRSSA peers and explore public relations topics in depth with other young and eager public relations enthusiasts.

Each of these examples and initiatives serves as a stepping-stone for the PRSSA to reach its potential as a great learning experience and networking opportunity for its members. Although these steps are specific to the goals of the PRSSA, similar initiatives can be implemented in just about any student organization on campus. All it takes is a few members with a little bit of passion for their cause and the ability to influence others. It’s as simple as that.


” #1.2212519:756831893.jpg:PRSSA:Students from PRSSA have taken several initiatives to make the group more benefitial for its members. This included taking a trip to OSU to participate in a Regional Activity held by OSU’s PRSSA chapter. This trip provided members with the opportunity to network with professionals, get to know their fellow PRSSA peers and explore public relations topics in depth.:Molly Howard”

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