How to get the most out of PRSSA meetings — Anna Hinkle

After I joined Scripps PRSSA in the spring semester of 2022, I knew I had to put in the work to get the most out of our Monday meetings. I began going to every Monday meeting with the full intention of connecting with our speakers, listening to their presentations and keeping their roles in mind for my career. These are a few tips to gain the most knowledge, growth and preparation during these meetings:

1. Attend Regularly
   By attending regularly, you will not only immerse yourself within the organization as a dedicated member, but you will also create friendships and bonds with your peers that can help build your skills. You will also be able to keep track of events, learn guest speaker schedules and participate in valuable opportunities that can help kickstart your career or field of interest.
2. Connect and Engage with Speakers
   Every Monday, unless there is an event or a panel, the Scripps PRSSA chapter invites industry leaders, alumni or experienced professionals to our meetings. This opportunity to ask questions and participate in their presentations is a great way to show your interest. By showing interest, they can keep your interest in mind and remember you from meetings when, or if, you want to reach out! That can also lead to mentorships or other connections they may know that best aligns with your interests.
3. Professional Mentorship and Peer Mentorship Programs
   When attending the meetings, you will learn about the opportunities to connect with peers and professionals on a deeper level, similar to the speakers. One of the chapter’s programs is the peer mentorship program. Through this opportunity, you can create relationships with students within the organization and create long-lasting friendships! The Professional Mentorship Program provides the opportunity for a professional in the communications field to mentor a Scripps PRSSA member! Overall, both programs were very beneficial to me. Now many of my peer mentors and mentees are my best friends.
4. Leadership Opportunities and Positions
   Although there is a range of different marketing, advertising, and public relations organizations on campus, Scripps PRSSA has proved to be the most organized, informative and beneficial for my career development. I have held two roles in the chapter’s leadership positions, both of which have been extremely beneficial and educational for me. Since joining as a freshman, I have been welcomed with open arms by people who genuinely want to help teach me to be the best PR professional ever. Therefore, I highly recommend joining this organization as a member, friend, or executive board member and fully embracing everything this organization has to offer!
   

Through attending meetings regularly, connecting with speakers, engaging with peers and being involved, you can gain the most Scripps PRSSA has to offer. You can utilize all the Scripps resources and make the most of your PRSSA experience with its branch of the national PRSA council. Truly, the opportunities never end because our organization serves all aspects of advertising, public relations, communications, and marketing!