Transitioning from PRSSA to PRSA Membership
Transitioning from a college student to a professional comes with a number of challenges. However, Hoosier PRSA offers former PRSSA members the opportunity to not only join at a discounted rate but to network both virtually and in person, connecting with public relations professionals to help soften the transition. [Photos: first right, Greta Snell; middle left, Alex Leix; bottom right, Samantha Sandala]
“Hoosier PRSA offers regular coffee chats – some in-person and some virtual – to learn more about chapter membership and meet fellow members and prospective members,” said Greta Snell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Dittoe PR. “There is a mentor-match program too, where members can pair up with mentors/mentees to learn and develop personally and professionally. New graduates can join PRSA at a discounted rate for the first couple years out of college, minimizing cost barriers.”
While Hoosier PRSA offers opportunities throughout the year for members, Dittoe PR Account Coordinator Alex Leix shared that her toughest transition from PRSSA to PRSA was adjusting to a professional versus college-life schedule. “It’s just all about juggling your responsibilities with your job and new daily routine, and being able to set aside time to get involved in the professional development opportunities at the same time.”
Leix shared that joining the coffee chat early in her transition from student to professional was an important networking step to receive advice from seasoned practitioners.
Another important aspect of transitioning from a college student to a Hoosier PRSA member is giving back to the community that poured into your own experiences. As a student, Hirons Account Coordinator Samantha Sandala commented that being involved in PRSSA provided her a place to connect with other PR students outside of the classroom setting. Through events hosted by Hoosier PRSA, this helped Sandala foster relationships with peers, professionals and mentors. “[PRSA] also exposed me to the many paths open to me in the PR field and helped me envision what my future career could look like.”
Leix echoed Sandala’s experiences as a college student in PRSSA. Being involved in PRSSA at Indiana University helped her appreciate the field of public relations while working alongside local organizations with PR campaigns. “My first piece of advice for young college students interested in PR is that they should join PRSSA so they can get exposed and gain experience before they’re able to take those introductory PR classes.”
Meet the Media events have also become a part of Leix’s experiences in building relationships while strengthening her understanding of how to pitch stories to the press. She commented that these panel discussions have given professionals the opportunity to learn from editors, reporters, producers and multimedia journalists from Central Indiana in one space.
“PRSA Hoosier has helped me forge relationships with other professionals in the communications space, outside of my immediate coworkers,” added Sandala of Hirons. “It continues to help broaden my horizons by exposing me to the many ways PR skill sets can be utilized. It’s also been an avenue through which I’ve been able to give back by raising funds for student scholarships and organizing events for PRSSA students to participate in.”
With the many contributions PRSA Hoosier Chapters offers its members such as monthly luncheons, PRSA National also offers professional development and networking opportunities that young professionals should capitalize on including conferences and gaining recognition through awards.
Former PRSSA members who graduated within the last two years can join as an Associate Member, PRSSA Graduate ($67 annual dues plus $65 Hoosier Chapter dues). This is a significant discount compared to the Associate Member 1 rate ($122 annual dues, $65 Hoosier Chapter dues).