UGA PRSSA Kicks Off New Year

By Ashley Hoffman

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, students met in Studio 100 to learn about the John E. Drewry Chapter of PRSSA. Emma Crosby, PRSSA President, shared the multifaceted benefits of membership – including opportunities to build your resume – and this semester’s events and meetings.

The 2019-2020 Executive Board introduced themselves and their respective roles in PRSSA. Kat Blanchard will be serving as Vice President, alongside Aya Maruyama as Director of Internal Communications; Kayla Nichols as Public Relations Director; Ashleigh Burroughs as Director of Member Relations; Lottie Smalley as Digital Media Director; and Madison Dye as Director of Content.

When discussing PRSSA’s benefits, Crosby put it best: “PRSSA will help prepare students for life after graduation. It gives you the chance to build a community and network with them, develop professionally, and meet like-minded people.” Members have access to bi-weekly meetings with industry professionals, networking opportunities, AdPR Connection, resume building opportunities, and agency tours in Athens, Atlanta, and D.C.

Your next question might be “How do I become a member?” The process is refined to two easy steps: submit an application and pay your dues. The deadline to become a member is Oct. 15 with dues priced at $70 for the entire year. Students also have the opportunity to apply to the Pathway Scholarship, which pays dues for six students who have shown dedication to their future in public relations. The scholarship application deadline is Sept. 18.

Along with PRSSA’s membership applications, the committee applications went live as well. Crosby introduced the many benefits of joining a committee, including that it’s one of the best ways to build your resume and learn new skills. The deadline for committee applications is Sept. 18.

PRSSA’s next meeting, the Internship Panel, will be held in Studio 100 on Sept. 17. Fellow members will share their insights into getting an internship and how to make the most out of the experience. Everyone is welcome to ask questions to best prepare for landing their dream internship.