By Hannah Bailey
My last semester at UNI is coming to an end, which means my time in PRSSA is also coming to an end. As I look forward to starting my next chapter in life, I look back at the great opportunities and experiences that PRSSA has given me. My Experience I first joined PRSSA during my junior year in hopes of expanding my network and making more friends who have the same passion and interests as me. Joining a student organization was intimidating at first when everyone was a stranger and I didn’t know exactly what to expect. However, I am lucky to have had the confidence to join or I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet my PR friends and have various professional experiences. Throughout my junior and senior years, I’ve heard from amazing professionals in the industry, gone to regional conferences and agency tours, and have had many volunteer and social events. My favorite opportunity was attending the PR eLevated conference in Chicago. While at PR eLevated, I listened to professional speakers, toured different agencies and companies in Chicago (even Shedd Aquarium!), and most importantly, made connections that will last a lifetime. The Skills I’m Leaving With For my last semester in PRSSA, I was elected Vice President of Internal Operations. Being the VP of Internal Operations this semester has given me multiple skills and has taught me how to manage multiple things going on at once. There have been challenges, but the successes have made it worth it! I have gained many skills and a lot of confidence during my time in PRSSA. With the opportunity to write and publish blogs, I have progressed in my writing skills. Along with gaining those writing skills, I’ve also had the ability to network, which has given me more communication skills and overall confidence. Most importantly, hearing from different speakers has helped me learn even more about this amazing profession. I am definitely not leaving empty-handed! Effect on Job Search A huge personal trait that I have grown from PRSSA is my confidence level. This has especially helped me through the job search process, in being confident when I talk to the hiring company. Another perk is that by being in PRSSA I have been able to find and connect with people who are in the PRSA in the area I want to work and move to. Nowadays knowing people will get you farther than having the best portfolio, so having these connections has definitely been a helping hand in this long process. Outtake Overall, PRSSA has helped me in many aspects. I am leaving with several new skills, a large network, amazing experiences, and lifelong friends. I am lucky to have had a student organization like PRSSA to help me throughout my college career. If you are interested in leadership roles, please reach out to UNI PRSSA for more information on how to become part of our leadership team!
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