PR Capital: Gateway to a Career as a Young Professional

The Ohio State University’s Regional Activity focused on young professionalism, showcased Columbus young professionals and The Ohio State University’s Ohio Union.

Committee members of The Ohio State University’s PRSSA Regional Activity.

Students from 11 universities gathered on April 16 to hear from keynote speaker Amanda DeCastro of Time Warner Cable. Amanda shared six tips for young professionals, including: never stop learning one new thing everyday, brand yourself and be proud of who you are. Her advice focused on the unique and personalized aspects of being a young professional, encouraging students to be comfortable with whom they are and integrate their personalities into their professional lives.

Brandi Hann, talent acquisition and human resources director for SBC Advertising, highlighted the importance of building a reputable character using please and thank you, identifying generational differences and being flexible (or not “locking your knees”). “People will recognize when you put in the extra effort, making you stand apart from the crowd,” Hann said.

The Crisis Communication session, led by The Ohio State University Senior Lecturer of Communication Natalie Boyne, featured an interactive crisis communication session with real-time complications. As the session progressed, details were flashed on the screen, changing the nature of the correct response and forcing each team to adjust their crisis communication plans accordingly.

Attendees also heard from guest speaker Nick Lucido, PRSSA 2010-2011 National President, who spoke of the importance of engaging in national initiatives and utilizing the resources that PRSSA offers on the national level.

Speakers on two young professional panels, made up of recent graduates and young professionals, discussed their transition from student life to being a young professional. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions.

The final element of the event gave attendees a chance to work on Chapter development through the creation of a strategic plan for fundraising, meetings and events. These plans were a tangible piece of the event, allowing attendees to share ideas with their Chapter in preparation for next year.

Whitney Dunlap and Jenn Cartmille are members of  The Ohio State University PRSSA Chapter.

Did you attend The Ohio State University’s event? What information interested you? What new information did you learn that benefits you as a pre-professional public relations student?

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