Welcome, Soon-to-Be Graduates, to PRSA Pittsburgh

By Meredith Klein

As we prepare to welcome the newest class of PRSSA graduates to the ranks of PRSA Pittsburgh, I wanted to get a better understanding of what the transition from PRSSA to PRSA is like.  As vice president of the chapter, and after serving as young professionals co-chair for two consecutive terms, I’m passionate about helping emerging professionals to identify and assume their niche in the marketing communications world.

So, as college graduations swiftly approach and we look forward to welcoming new members to our chapter, I connected with PRSA Pittsburgh blog coordinator and Social B community manager, Valerie Bennett, to learn more.  Val recently eclipsed her first anniversary of college graduation as well as her first anniversary with PRSA Pittsburgh and provided some great feedback on easing the transition. Check out my Q&A with her below!

PRSA Pittsburgh: Where did you go to school and what year did you graduate?
VB: I attended West Virginia University and graduated in May 2015.  I bleed blue and gold for life!  I actually started at Social B a week before I graduated college and recently celebrated my one-year anniversary.

PRSA Pittsburgh: Why did you become involved with PRSA Pittsburgh?
VB: I was part of PRSSA at West Virginia University for close to two years, serving as our president during my senior year.  I got involved because there were so many opportunities to learn, grow and develop as a professional.

I was an advertising major but also interested in public relations and felt PRSSA was a great opportunity to challenge myself to learn more.  I attended a regional PRSSA conference, on behalf of our chapter, and fell in love with the event and the people I met.  I even keep in touch with some of those people to this day!  After my great experience with PRSSA, the natural next step was to get involved with PRSA to maintain the connection.

PRSA Pittsburgh: What are some of the similarities between PRSA and PRSSA?
VB: PRSA and PRSSA both provide opportunities to network and learn from skilled professionals in your region.  One of my favorite things about PRSA Pittsburgh is that it’s a close-knit circle of people who are committed to helping you learn new skills and elevate your career.  The growth opportunities with PRSA Pittsburgh may be at a different magnitude but at their cores, PRSA and PRSSA share the same goal: to build the next generation of PR pros through education and networking.

PRSA Pittsburgh: What has been your favorite part of being a member of PRSA Pittsburgh in the past year?
VB: When I first joined PRSA Pittsburgh in 2015, I had just moved to a city where I didn’t know anyone and was starting my first job.  But by joining PRSA Pittsburgh I was able to quickly meet new people and connect with them on similar passions.  The chapter has created great opportunities to find mentors and people to whom I can look up to and learn from.

PRSA Pittsburgh: From your vantage point, what are the greatest benefits of membership?
VB: I think the access to knowledge is what sets PRSA apart.  The organization provides a variety of resources including newsletters, educational events and access to industry leaders in the region to help you develop.  Personally, I love the daily and weekly newsletters – I’ve even printed some of them out and hung them around the office so others can learn and absorb the information as well!

PRSA Pittsburgh: What keeps you excited about being part of PRSA Pittsburgh?
VB: Definitely the growth of the organization – I love to start somewhere and see where it goes.  PRSA Pittsburgh, and PRSA overall, has endless opportunities to study and evolve.  It’s a great community and everyone is willing to help you on your journey.

PRSA Pittsburgh: What’s your biggest takeaway for students looking to transition from PRSSA to PRSA Pittsburgh?
VB: The truth is, it can be scary to be fresh out of school.  You’re looking for ways to build relationships and extend your network while also looking for a job.  PRSA Pittsburgh was a tight-knit group that helped to make the post-college transition much easier and more enjoyable for me.

I was able to meet new people and being to develop relationships soon after my move to Pittsburgh.  It was comforting to know you had a great network that was invested in you and wanted to help you succeed.  It also helped me to learn the city better as I settled in to my new routine.

PRSA Pittsburgh: What has been your favorite PRSA Pittsburgh event to attend in the last year?
VB: The first PRSA Pittsburgh event I attended was the 2016 Renaissance Awards.  I was there on behalf of PRSA Pittsburgh to report on the event and the honors delivered that evening.   It was incredible to see all of the great work produced in Pittsburgh as well as the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to create award-winning campaigns.  It’s awesome to meet PR pros that you’ve heard about and become part of the conversation.

PRSA Pittsburgh: Three words to describe PRSA Pittsburgh.
VB: Exciting, educational, and innovative.

PRSA Pittsburgh: What would PRSA Pittsburgh’s theme song?
VB: I think it would be a mean combination of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by    Queen, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, and of course Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”

We’re excited to meet those of you who are recent graduates and looking to get involved with PRSA Pittsburgh! Contact us hereand let us know who you are and what you’re looking for – we’re here to be a resource as you begin the next chapter in your careers.


 

Meredith Klein is vice president of PRSA Pittsburgh and public relations account supervisor at BRUNNER.

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