PRSSA Offers Graduate Students Opportunity to Engage with PR Professionals  

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at Seton Hall offers Public Relations undergraduate and graduate students access to knowledge outside of the classroom to network with professionals, increase their knowledge of the public relations field, and create long-lasting relationships with their peers. Chapter President and dual degree B.A./M.A. student, Emily High, shares how the PRSSA enriched her college experience. "Through PRSSA, I gain a holistic view of public relations, outside of the textbook definition," High said. 

Within the College, students receive a one-of-a-kind classroom experience taught by professionals in the field. The PRSSA is a supplement to this, as an opportunity for experiential learning and provides students with a network to connect with professionals. The PRSSA holds speaker events where chapter leadership invites public relations practitioners to an intimate setting to share their knowledge with students and answer questions. The speaker series this fall semester featured professionals from agencies, corporate and global public relations. The latest event held in late October featured Marnie Nathanson, the Founder and Chief Content Officer (CCO) of The Social Status Co. 

The Social Status Co. is a 360 agency that manages social media coordination, brand management, content creation and more. Nathanson's entrepreneurial ventures came shortly after she saw a change on the horizon through social media. Nathanson had a talent-stacked resume and transferred her skills gained from working with Viacom, NBC and Cable Vision to curate a company where she could be her own boss. Nathanson shared insight on how public relations is changing and how students entering the professional public relations setting, can be an asset to their future employers. "Public Relations is a hybrid field, staying up to date on technology has become just as important as having verbal and written skills. Always be on your toes to stay ahead of the game," she said. Nathanson continued throughout the evening, to offer tips and best practices: "Knowing your audience is key, whether it is an audience for a job interview or a campaign, tailor and pitch yourself to keep your audience engaged." Additionally, Nathanson discussed how organizations like the PRSSA can give students a valuable experience. "Student organizations like the PRSSA are great. It gives students the opportunity to gain more experience and the more skills you have, the more value you can add to a company."

Emily High is just an example of what happens once a student takes advantage of the opportunities offered at Seton Hall. High, finishing her senior year of undergraduate studies and first semester of the accelerated dual-degree program, shared how being a part of the PRSSA helped create long-lasting relationships with her public relations peers and professionals. "I have learned every facet of the industry, particularly through networking events and conferences," High said. "I have met so many people through PRSSA, it gave me a reason to connect with professionals I may not have otherwise."

There are many benefits to joining PRSSA: an extensive network, peer mentorship, scholarship opportunities and more. PRSSA meets bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Stay tuned this semester for guest speaker events. For more information about PRSSA, contact Chapter President, Emily High at [email protected]. 

The College currently offers three graduate-level programs, including Museum Professions, Communication, and Public Relations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated master's/B.A. programs and a dual M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations are offered.

For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Dr. Ryan Hudes.

Categories: Business