Public Relations Student Society of America at Texas State University

By: Rick Martinez

My experience at this year’s PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Florida has brought inspiration and motivation. Among future colleagues within my Chapter, I believe we thrive with determination more than ever. The opportunity spent listening and interacting with top leaders whom are completely knowledgeable with today’s tactics and strategies of public relations definitely provided a clearer sense of work ethics and professionalism.

The enthusiasm many students from various Chapters expressed undeniably set the tone of determination to succeed. Networking with fellow PRSSA members from around the country was inevitable starting with opening night; the Brazilian Carnaval-themed celebration. Dressed to impress, vibrant colors and music surrounded the room as we broke the ice, conversed and danced the night away. Networking with each other continued of course throughout the days, attending seminars, dinners and exploring Orlando. Having the opportunity to meet many professionals and students from Chapters all around the country was a great networking advantage. As future leaders of America, we are able to build strong relationships and connections beneficial to each other. As we progress in life and draw desires to seek a job in a certain niche or part of the country, we can refer to our contacts and utilize that connection. Not only did I meet members from around Texas, but members from Florida, Pittsburg, Wisconsin, Chicago and Hawaii, just to list a few. I had a great time mingling and communicating among PRSSA members. Everyone with amazing personalities shared a common goal to succeed and to help one another.

In public relations there are many strategies, plans, tactics, and ethics you must take into consideration. Of course we learn of these steps in class and at our PRSSA meetings. Having the opportunity to listen to the experiences from the most influential speakers in our field has embedded my mind. From the first day I returned to class at Texas State, any lecture or seminar, given that it was “Mass Communications Week,” gave a constant reflection of what I learned from National Conference. From a wide range of diversity and creativity; presidents, vice presidents, CEOs, and directors of public relations, marketing and social media speakers are up to date with the latest trends that shape our field to what it is today. Being able to grasp all this information will definitely make an impact on how we can work together as members of PRSSA to improve our committees and excel in our goals. The fact that 12 members had the chance to attend this year’s conference will benefit us greatly. Not only can we implement what we’ve learned at our Chapter, but we can express our experiences to members and students around us. This would encourage more involvement and future members.

Social media as we know it today is changing rapidly. Throughout the sessions, great importance was made to implement these particular tools to the fullest degree. Naturally, we want to target our audience, create buzz, build campaigns and network. What I found most interesting, utilizing social media in a smart and clever way can strive anyone to success and help small businesses look bigger than they really are. Another important emphasis throughout the sessions and workshops was internships. Internships have notable significance when trying to seek an employer. From perfecting a resume, to acquiring the right attitude towards a certain agency or company, it was encouraged to partake in at least three to four internships. This would provide experience in different aspects, gearing you to handle any situation.

Throughout my time in Orlando, Twitter definitely made connections with each other effortless and quick. An advantage with Twitter, members from PRSSA were able to express and provide quick recaps of other sessions taking place simultaneously. National Conference has encouraged me to do exceptionally well in my studies within the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. I’m a junior at the moment, but my anticipation for graduation is immense. Overall, I’ve learned that PRSSA is an organization designed to motivate you to success, provide professional speakers to encourage proper tactics and behaviors, have excess to internships and jobs, project social networking to the fullest and broaden every individual to a well-rounded leader with the aspirations we will reciprocate the same to our peers and future members.