#JoinPRSSA -Caroline Ackerman
Joining PRSSA Nevada as a junior was one of the best decisions I made during my college career. My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner! PRSSA Nevada helped me get the experience I needed to land the internship that turned into my full-time position as the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at Walker Basin Conservancy.
During my first semester as a member, I attended almost every meeting, networking event, and agency tour that was offered. I was matched with an amazing professional mentor and really expanded my network. The following semester I became more involved in Wolf Pack Relations, our student-run PR firm, and sat on the board as treasurer. I also helped find sponsors for the regional conference our chapter hosted, which turned out to be an amazing networking opportunity. One of the best experiences during spring 2017 was being a delegate for the PRSSA National Assembly in Seattle!
During the summer of 2017 I jumped into the role of firm director at Wolf Pack Relations and worked alongside a group of amazing ladies as we raised enough money to send 14 people to PRSSA’s national conference in Boston. During the fall and spring semester of my senior year, I had a leadership position on the Board, and in spring 2018, I was the Account Executive for PRSSA Nevada’s Bateman team as we planned and executed a campaign for With Purpose.
Every semester with PRSSA was filled with opportunity and education. It truly helped me develop into the professional that I am today. Students in PRSSA Nevada are fortunate to have an award-winning club adviser, Alison Gaulden. Alison offers her time, home, and wisdom to every student. She is going to be my mentor for life (sorry, Alison). After graduating in Spring 2018, I took the class and exam to earn my Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations. I joined PRSA Sierra Nevada's board as a VP of Member Relations in 2019 and have further expanded my network and skills.
Every student interested in having a career in public relations should join PRSSA. Take the opportunities to help the Board (rule of thumb: every Board can always use help) and consider getting a Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations six months before or after graduating. Professional development and networking are the key to landing a job after graduating.