By Madison Pruitt

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, PRSSA members gathered in Studio 100 to hear from Grady grad Anne Noland. Noland currently works for the New England Patriots as a communications strategist. She shared her career journey and answered questions from Emma Crosby, PRSSA president, and members.

Her love for the NFL began in high school which led to her job as the statistician for her high school football team. Noland studied public relations with a certificate in sports media. Her passion for football inspired her to pursue a communications career in the NFL.

Noland inspired members by sharing advice from a journal she kept as an intern. She emphasized the importance of AP Style. Her advice was to learn and love it because it will come in handy. Additionally, Noland stated, “Choose demanding professors, and work for demanding bosses when you’re young.” The more demanding, the more they prepare you to balance assignments, handle deadlines and deliver work even when the expectations are unclear. 

To help members understand the journey to her current position, Noland explained that many of her skills came from working as an intern at the UGA Sports Communications office and her classes in Grady. Just before her last year at UGA, she interned for the US Olympic Committee to gain a firm understanding of how the industry operates on a larger scale. Later that same year, she was introduced to her first job in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.

To educate members interested in the football industry, Noland shared insights into a typical workday. During the football season, she works on the weekly release which includes statistics about the team and each of its players. During the off-season, her schedule varies more as she works on special projects.

We are fortunate for the advice and encouragement Noland offered.

PRSSA members should consider applying for the Digital Drive Thru Workshop led by See.Spark.Go and the ADPR Department. Applications are now live until 5 p.m. on Feb. 28. The next general body meeting will be with NEBO on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Come on out to Studio 100 and join us!