Countdown to Conference: 3 Reasons I’m Counting Down the Days to National Conference
The PRSSA 2015 National Conference is less than a month away and I’m practically counting down the days. The two PRSSA events I’ve attended previously, a Regional Conference and Leadership Rally, have been fantastic. I took countless pages of notes, learned about the opportunities within the organization and became even more excited about starting my career—which to be honest, I didn’t think was possible.
Whenever someone asks what I’m the most excited for, three things immediately come to mind:
1. Being Surrounded by People Who Love Public Relations as Much as I Do
Mingling with people who share a love of public relations is exciting. It’s not every day that I have the chance to swap storytelling ideas, discuss the merits of Twitter and analyze a company’s public relations strategy with so many people who are as passionate as I am.
This was one of my favorite parts of both PRSSA events I’ve been to, and I know that National Conference is going to be experientially bigger than the other two events. I’ve got business cards at the ready and look forward to meeting as many people as I can.
2. Attending Workshops to Learn More About Topics that Interest Me
Workshops are a great way to preview a topic that you’re curious about. Sometimes, you learn it’s not what you thought it was, and other times, it leaves you wanting more. After learning about both corporate and crisis communication at the last event I attended, I always jump at the chance to learn more from professionals about either topic.
Imagine my excitement when looking at the program schedule. I noticed a professional development workshop on both topics. Even better—they aren’t at the same time. Conference workshops cover so many topics in our field, it’s the perfect place to explore and discover what part interests you the most.
3. The Career Development Exhibition
I’m currently a senior and that means a professional career is just around the corner. With so many opportunities available, it’s hard to decide where to start. By attending the Career Development Exhibition, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to gain more perspective about where to start, but also how to get where I want to go.
There’s many other things that I’m excited about, like exploring Atlanta and reconnecting with friends that I’ve made at previous events, but these three opportunities are at the top of my list..
What are you looking forward to the most about National Conference?
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Carly Owens is a senior at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, studying communication with an emphasis in public relations. She loves the art of storytelling and looks forward to a career based around that. In her spare time, she enjoys trips to Disneyland and almost anything creative. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or follow her on Twitter @magicalcarly.
