Every student faces the same dilemma: how do I stand out among my peers? Classroom work is valuable. An internship is even better. But joining a student organization shows something extra—that you’re willing to go above and beyond to sharpen your professional skills while still in school. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the top organization for PR and communication students, and I highly recommend it. After two years as an active member, I served as president of PRSSA at NC State during my senior year. Here are the three biggest takeaways from my experience:
The Value of Professional Relationships
Your network is invaluable. We hear that often in PR, and it’s true. PRSSA connects students not only with peers at their college but also with professionals through local PRSA chapters. Membership grants access to professional development events, conferences, and networking opportunities. There’s even a national directory of professionals who are open to connecting with students. From my experience, if someone shares their contact info, they’re usually happy to chat over coffee or a Zoom call that may just lead to your first job post-college. These connections often turn into job opportunities, internships, or mentorships—key stepping stones into the PR workforce.
Growth Beyond the Classroom
Coursework is important for understanding the PR industry, but there’s only so much you can learn from lectures. Hands-on experience is key. Through PRSSA, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. At NC State, the executive board uses subcommittees for social media, event planning, and professional outreach.
These hands-on projects mirror the type of work you’ll encounter in a PR agency or corporate setting, allowing members to build a robust portfolio that speaks directly to employers. The skills you gain—writing press materials, organizing events, managing social media campaigns—are exactly what PR professionals use every day, making you not just job-ready, but highly competitive.
Leadership Development
Many students are natural leaders but struggle to showcase those skills in the classroom. As a PRSSA executive board member, you can develop leadership experience in areas like event planning, digital communications, or member relations. Serving as chapter president or vice president provides even greater opportunities. These roles sharpen your organizational skills, decision-making abilities, and teamwork. I can personally attest to how the leadership training I received through PRSSA—especially through managing a team and executing large-scale events—directly contributed to my career trajectory. Without my time as president of PRSSA at NC State, I would have missed out on valuable experiences—like attending ICON, hosting a District Conference, and landing my internship. These experiences prepared me to step into a professional role confidently and with proven leadership abilities.
Why Not Join PRSSA today?
Joining PRSSA is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a professional investment. The network, real-world experiences, and leadership opportunities you gain will not only set you apart during your job search but also equip you with the skills that PR employers are looking for. Whether you’re aiming to land your first internship or take the lead in a PR role, PRSSA provides the foundation you need to thrive in the competitive PR field. If you’re ready to take your PR career to the next level, getting involved with PRSSA is a step you won’t regret.
To learn more about PRSSA, visit: https://www.prsa.org/prssa.
