MSU PRSSA Offers Varied Opportunities for Networking, Learning and Practice
PRSSA members speak about their experience learning more about public relations from the club opportunities
By: Adrianna Orlando
Public Relations Student Society of America offers a wide variety of networking opportunities throughout each semester for students. From agency tours and guest speakers, MSU PRSSA provides students with a look inside life post-graduation.
Each semester, PRSSA has offered students the option to listen to guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds. From PR agency professionals, beauty industry professionals, social media managers, and more members have the chance to hear about the life of a PR professional in numerous positions and industries.
Darien McEnroe, a public relations junior, is one of many students who has gained insight on PR life from PRSSA’s guest speaker meetings. McEnroe says her favorite guest speaker in the 2023-2024 academic year was Bubble Skincare community associate and MSU PR alumna, Lindsey Hyams.
“The beauty industry interests me, it was great to learn how she obtained her job and worked her way up in the company,” said McEnroe.
Hyams gave a presentation about her experience as a PR professional, how she landed her current position through her time as a student at MSU. Hyams explained that networking is one of the best ways to secure a job post-grad.
McEnroe says after meeting Hyams at the PRSSA meeting, she stays in touch through social media sites like LinkedIn and Instagram. Hyams explained to the students that reaching out to a professional after their student organization presentation is a great way to spark a connection. Maintaining a relationship with a professional is just as important as making one.
“I let her know how great the meeting she presented at was and have kept in touch with her because I knew she could give me a lot of advice. Whenever I run into problems looking for internships I text her for help. She has helped me craft and edit messages to professionals,” said McEnroe.
PRSSA member, Adrianna Orlando, has also attended many guest speaker meetings. One that stuck out to her was PR professional at Piper and Gold, Rachel Dauer.
“Dauer spoke about her past job experiences and gave advice regarding the industry that I found very helpful as I transition into my senior year at Michigan State,” said Orlando.
Orlando explained how beneficial it has been to hear from so many guest speakers about their own personal experiences in the industry as she decides what she wants to do post-graduation.
MSU PRSSA is a great resource for students looking to make industry connections. For more information on how to join MSU PRSSA and the annual meeting schedule, visit https://www.instagram.com/msuprssa/.