by Maddie Davis
One of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life was determining a career path. I mean, how is an 18-year-old senior in high school supposed to choose a major that creates a path for a successful future career? Talk about stressful! I am thrilled and now more confident than ever that I decided on a major in public relations. Choosing A Major I started my college career at a small community college in Mason City called North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). I used my time there to take elective courses and join a few groups to help determine my career interests. I remember a conversation that I had with an advisor when I was a student ambassador at NIACC. She told me that I should look into a career in public relations because of my love for writing, skills in communication, and highly energetic personality. That conversation sparked my interest and I began researching the different career paths one can obtain with a PR major. As I researched, I became increasingly excited about the seemingly endless opportunities this degree could provide. After graduating from NIACC, I transferred to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). I was really intrigued by the emphasis options that were offered in the PR major at UNI, where you can choose between strategic public relations, sports public relations, or special events planning. I chose strategic public relations as my major because I believe that learning comprehensive communication strategies that integrate an organization's marketing, social media, and public relations is applicable in any career path I choose. To help strengthen my knowledge and connections to push me further in my career, I joined UNI’s Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (UNI PRSSA). Finding My People Joining UNI PRSSA has allowed me to create friendships with people in my major that share similar interests, goals, and passions as I do. Listening to speakers and attending workshops have allowed me to learn an array of skills that have helped me grow in my professional and personal life. These skills have strengthened my network with both speakers and colleagues. For instance, I would have never been able to network and make connections with such great people like Adam Brady, Director of Publications and Digital Content for the Anaheim Ducks unless I heard him speak at a PRSSA meeting. In addition, I have had the opportunity to join my friends in UNI PRSSA volunteering at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, packaging over 500 meals for children in the surrounding area. It is these experiences and connections that helped me discover my passion and unveiled confidence and reassurance that this is the career path for me! As I inch towards the close of my senior year, I am excited to look further in depth at the job opportunities available. Even though I am still uncertain what my future holds, I know I will use the skills that I have learned throughout my time in school and in PRSSA in the career path I choose. I am hopeful to use my skill set to make a difference in the lives of others and give back to my community. To learn more about the benefits of UNI PRSSA, contact us by selecting “contact” above.
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by Michael Bohlman
I have always been the type of person to jump onto any new opportunity presented to me. I have observed this to be both a valuable and hindering personality trait, however, one thing is without a doubt: that in the event that you don't say "yes" to something, you may never get that chance back. When I came to the University of Northern Iowa, I was nervous. Nervous about making new friends, nervous about the new classroom setting, and most of all, nervous about finding a new community that would push me to be my best self. Little did I know that would change right away. After one week of being on campus, I was approached by a group of public relations students that were tabling for their organization in the middle of the campus library. After a brief yet informative conversation (and a bribe with a cookie), I found myself signing up for their bi-annual newsletter and saying “yes” to an invitation to the following week's informational meeting held by those same students. After attending that first meeting, I knew that there was something special about this group and what they had to offer. This group, that I would later become a member of, is the Public Relations Student Society of America, also known as PRSSA. Even though I have always been an outgoing person and have been able to maintain long-lasting relationships, I didn't realize how much I could learn about being a part of this group. All of this due to a simple “yes” to a group of students with cookies. Wanting More UNI PRSSA has not only become a focal point of my week, but it has been a place where I have been able to make lifelong friends who will help me to succeed. A typical weekly meeting includes having a professional in the public relations-related field meet with us virtually. We would be educated on what they do, how they are changing this world, and the future of their profession. Learning about different professions has given me a better idea of what the world has to offer. Before joining PRSSA, I was unaware of many careers in the public relations field. Like I said before, I have always been a person who can create long-lasting relationships and also be able to communicate information clearly, but I never knew exactly what I wanted to do with that skill. After wanting more from PRSSA, I decided to become a dues-paying member, which has granted me access to several scholarships, networking opportunities, and most importantly, more knowledge and confidence about post-college career decisions. In the near future, I hope to be plugged into an organization and I know that UNI PRSSA has made that transition easier for me. Building a Foundation on Rocks Life can hit you hard once in a while and it can sometimes feel unbearable. From my encounters, it is not difficult to see that a few things can turn out well for you one moment and the following, simply getaway. For me, looking into the future and seeing myself with a good-paying career that I enjoy is something that isn't that far out. All through school and being a part of PRSSA, I have taken in the importance of building a foundation on rocks. Fixing your mind on the importance of life and being a part of a successful group is only one part of how I went from being nervous to being eager for the future. UNI PRSSA and the connections I have received inside this student organization have become a vital part of my anticipated success as a young professional. Taking that leap to say “yes” and being receptive to learning more about building my life correctly is something I started and will continue to do. To learn more about the benefits of UNI PRSSA, contact us by selecting “contact” above. |