Best Practices: Professional Growth Outside of the Classroom

At San Diego State University, we want to ensure our members gain knowledge outside of the classroom. This is one of the many reasons we encourage our members to connect and build relationships with our PRSA sponsor Chapter.

Here are a few ways connecting with our sponsor Chapter has helped our members and how we personally thank our sponsor Chapter for their support.

Leadership Transition

At the beginning of the academic year, the PRSSA SDSU Board Of Directors’ president, vice president and Faculty Adviser attend a transitional luncheon with the PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties (PRSA SD/IC) Chapter’s newly elected president. The meet and greet is designed to provide a casual environment for the newly elected officials to discuss goals and messaging for the upcoming year as well as a networking opportunity for the two parties. Opportunities and benefits for official members of PRSSA are discussed and the implementation process begins. The lunch dissolves the digital wall and breaks the intimidating barrier between student and professional.

Networking

At PRSSA meetings, we strongly encourage attendees to seek out New Professional Mixers hosted by the PRSA SD/IC Chapter, as it is a perk of being an official member of the organization. We announce dates and provide carpool opportunities. These mixers allow our members gain up-to-date knowledge and discuss trending topics in the public relations industry with new professionals who have recently transitioned from student to professional. For some of our new members, this is the first time they’ll talk to a public relations practitioner outside of the classroom. The fun environment allows members to get a feel for the industry and develop valuable professional relationships.

imagejpeg_1A Sincere Thank You

We always make sure to show PRSA professionals tokens of gratitude when they make an appearance or mentor a student. After every encounter with a professional, we provide him or her with an SDSU branded mug and a handwritten thank you note. We want to ensure our professionals know we are grateful for their time and respect the knowledge they provide our members with.

How do you thank your PRSA sponsor Chapter for their support and guidance?

Kalyca Becktel is a senior journalism major with an emphasis in public relations at San Diego State University. She is the vice president of the SDSU PRSSA Chapter and is currently an intern at Stalwart Communications in San Diego. Follow her on Twitter @KalycaBecktel.

1 thought on “Best Practices: Professional Growth Outside of the Classroom

    • Author gravatar

      I’m so proud of how our SDSU PRSSA chapter works to build a strong relationship with the professional chapter. The executive team looks for ways for both PRSA and PRSSA to have mutual benefit from one another & it is great to be a part of these two organizations who work so well together!
      Dr. Sweetser, APR+M
      SDSU PRSSA Advisor

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