Be More Than A Dues Paying Member
Being a PRSSA National dues paying member certainly has its benefits — enhance your education, broaden your network and launch your career. While it is great to be able to reap the benefits of your PRSSA membership, you also have to take into consideration how you can become more than just a dues paying member. How can you get involved with your Chapter?
Many of us aspire to become great leaders and go far in our careers. Reaching these positions in life does not have to start after college. In fact, they can start now! There are various ways they can better themselves and contribute to their Chapter while starting to build their resumes and portfolios while in school.
Get involved.
It is one thing to show up to general body meetings and occasionally volunteer to work a Chapter fundraiser. It is another to partake in as many opportunities as you can. Not only will doing this help the Chapter succeed, it also will provide incredible learning experiences and opportunities that will help you grow as a public relations student and Chapter member.
Make yourself accessible outside of Chapter functions.
Sometimes unexpected occurrences happen and an extra hand or two may be needed to help conquer the task at hand. By making yourself accessible outside of planned Chapter-related events, you show your fellow Chapter members and advisers that you are truly committed to helping the Chapter thrive.
Challenge yourself to partake in new experiences.
Challenging yourself to do new things can seem daunting, but ultimately you can grow from new experiences! Register to go to your first Regional Conference. Contact a mentor you admire, but are too afraid to reach out to. Write for Progressions or your Chapter’s blog. By going outside of your comfort zone, you can see all that you are capable of!
Reach out to executive board members to see if you can assist with anything.
Although it may seem like your executive board may not need assistance, there could always be the possibility that they do. It does not hurt to talk to an executive board member to see if you can help them in any way. Some Chapters may offer subcommittee positions that work directly with a certain position you aspire to hold someday. Capitalize on these! Not only will you become helpful to that member, but you are ultimately preparing yourself to possibly take on an executive board role one day.
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Nicole Tobias is a sophomore public relations major with a marketing minor at Waynesburg University. She serves as the professional development coordinator for her Chapter, as well as the public relations director for Waynesburg’s Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm, Red Brick Communications. Follow her on Twitter and connect with her on LinkedIn.
