Making Your Adviser Your Mentor

Photo courtesy of unsplash.com.
Photo courtesy of unsplash.com.

As members of PRSSA, there are a number of resources we have at our disposal. These resources come at the national, regional and local Chapter level.

At the Chapter level, you are given two Advisers to work with: one Faculty Adviser and one Professional Adviser. Both are able to help guide you throughout your education and your time with PRSSA. However, many members do not take advantage of their Advisers.

So, how can members best utilize their Advisers?

  1. First things first, introduce yourself. If your Adviser does not attend your Chapter’s regular meetings, find out if they have office hours. If you are unable to find out this information talk with your executive board. They should be able to connect you with one of your Advisers.
  2. Schedule a meeting. This meeting should be 15 to 30 minutes long. Find a location with a nice atmosphere that will be quiet enough for you to hold a conversation. Coffee houses and lounges are always good location.
  3. Decide what the goal of your meeting is. Are you trying to find a mentor, cleaning up your resume for your summer internship search or just looking for advice on the profession? Make a list of questions that you need answered during your meeting to make sure that you don’t miss any important points.
  4. Go to your meeting. Make sure to be on time. It is often said that if you are not five minutes early you are late. Be transparent when asking questions. If you are meeting because you are applying for internships make it a point to say that. Your Adviser is here to help you.
  5. Follow up the next day. It is always a good idea to send a thank you email after you meet. Also include any lingering questions you have after reading over your notes from the meeting.

Brianna Truitt is a senior studying public relations and creative writing at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Follow her on Twitter @GottaBriTru and connect on LinkedIn.

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