Progressions

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: How a Spark of Curiosity Ignited the Revival of Baruch’s PRSSA Chapter

In the beginning of 2024, I stood at a crossroads, contemplating the bridge between my studies in Corporate Communications and Marketing and their practical impact. It was a period filled with questions rather than answers, leading me to seek insights beyond the textbooks. Conversations with my professors revealed a previously unrecognized opportunity—the revival of the PRSSA Chapter at Baruch. This introduction set me on a path of discovery and action that has been both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Upon learning about PRSSA and researching its benefits, I discovered that Baruch College once had an active Chapter. Unfortunately, it had ceased functioning around 2021. Recognizing the potential for PRSSA to gather like-minded students, facilitate networking, and foster personal and professional growth, I decided to take on the challenge of reviving our Chapter.

What motivated me to embark on this journey was a mix of personal experiences and broader aspirations. My initial motivation stemmed from my own uncertainty and desire for clarity. I wanted to provide support and information to students who, like me, were uncertain about this field and their future career paths. I remembered how lost I felt and how conversations with my professors had given me direction. I wanted to be that source of guidance for others.

I saw the revival of the PRSSA Chapter as an opportunity to create a community where students could develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and build a network of peers and professionals. I envisioned a space where students could collaborate, share ideas, and support each other’s growth. This sense of community was something I felt was missing at Baruch College, especially for those of us in PR, marketing, and communications.

Moreover, I was driven by the desire to inspire and empower others. I hoped to encourage students to take initiative, embrace challenges, and recognize their potential. I wanted to create opportunities for personal growth, confidence building, and discovering passions within the industry. The idea of fostering a culture of ambition and resilience within our Chapter was a significant motivator for me.

The first step was to gather information and build connections. I reached out to various professionals, including Milagros Orcoyen, the National President of PRSSA, who provided invaluable insights and support. Additionally, I received significant support from other PRSSA Chapters around the U.S., such as Western Washington University, which shared their experiences and startup insights. Armed with knowledge and a clear vision, I began recruiting students interested in taking on leadership roles and contributing to the Chapter’s revival.

Promoting our initiative within Baruch College was crucial. I collaborated with the marketing, communications, and PR departments to distribute flyers and email announcements to reach a broader audience. In an effort to broaden our reach and inform more students about our revitalized PRSSA Chapter, I proactively reached out to various professors requesting the opportunity to present in their future classes, aiming to share the extensive benefits and opportunities our organization offers directly with a wider audience of students. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed enthusiasm for the project and a desire to be part of the executive board. Through interviews and discussions, we formed a dedicated team committed to bringing our Chapter back to life.

Our journey has not been without its challenges, but the progress we’ve made has been inspiring. Over the summer, as part of our efforts to reintroduce our social media presence, we successfully revitalized our Instagram account, reaching up to 2,000 new accounts. This surge in engagement has played a pivotal role in amplifying our visibility and connecting us with a broader community of students and professionals interested in PR, marketing, and communications.

We hosted online meetings to coordinate our efforts and plan our next steps. In late July, our team had the pleasure of gathering in person for a fun and lively meetup. This informal setting allowed us not only to connect on a more personal level but also to discuss our comprehensive plans. During these meetings, we detailed initiatives such as fundraising for ICON and organizing engaging events like agency and company tours, guest speaker series, and “get to know” sessions. These are designed to provide practical insights into the industry and foster a deeper connection among members. We also brainstormed additional events like skill-building workshops and networking mixers, aimed at enhancing professional development and personal growth. This meeting was pivotal, as it further solidified our commitment and excitement for the future of our Chapter, blending fun with professional intent.

PRSSA has profoundly impacted my professional and personal growth. It has provided a platform to develop leadership skills, network with industry professionals, and collaborate with like-minded peers. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of our members has been incredibly rewarding. I am confident that our revived Chapter will continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.

To stay updated with our events and ongoing activities, follow us on Instagram @prssabaruch. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at baruchprssa@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with you and growing our community together!