There are many student organizations within the A. Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications, but the Public Relations Student Society of America is one that helps students develop their career skills and knowledge of public relations during their time at Kansas State University.
The PRSSA is a national organization that seeks to educate students studying public relations through various local chapters. K-State’s PRSSA chapter consists of an executive board of students focused on cultivating their skills and networking with other students and professionals in the field.
“We attend conferences, networking events and put on agency tours throughout the year,” said Ana Landsverk, K-State PRSSA vice president and senior in public relations. “For instance, some of our members were able to travel to Austin, Texas, for a national conference where members of PRSSA at schools across the country get together to learn more about the field.”
PRSSA is the daughter organization of the Public Relations Society of America, a national organization where industry professionals work to further educate and advance the fields of public relations and strategic communications.
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K-State PRSSA members participate in a wide variety of recruiting and networking opportunities. Members can attend both regional and national conferences, as well as local professional development workshops put on by the greater Kansas City area PRSA chapter.
“In addition to these opportunities, PRSSA members can participate in recruitment efforts for our chapter through Kansas State events such as Kedziepalooza, the activities fair and other JMC events that promote professional development or career prep,” said Ana Siggers, K-State PRSSA president and senior in public relations.
Members also have the chance to participate in agency tours each semester where they travel to larger cities near Manhattan and interact with professionals and their employees in the workplace.
“It is a unique way to network while getting a sneak peek into what a day in the life looks like at their office,” Siggers said. “We also make an effort to bring in JMC alumni and industry professionals to speak about their career journey and how PRSSA and PRSA have aided them in their career.”
K-State’s chapter also offers local opportunities for members to share their knowledge with others. Members of K-State PRSSA spoke to a journalism class at Manhattan High School on Tuesday morning about studying public relations in college.
“The juniors and seniors were all actively engaged, and it was exciting to share some knowledge regarding public relations with students who are potentially looking to enter the communications field,” Siggers said.
K-State’s PRSSA chapter has opened new doors for its members and continually assists them in cultivating their skills as pre-professionals and preparing them for future careers in the industry.
“My favorite part about PRSSA is the knowledge and networking opportunities it has provided me,” Landsverk said. “I have gotten to know and meet many industry professionals and even formed closer bonds with my peers in public relations. It has been one of the best things I’ve ever done in college.”
Students interested in joining the PRSSA at K-State can attend a biweekly meeting or visit the chapter’s website for more info.
