Hello, New and Returning PRSSA Members,
We’re so excited to have you join us as we kick off the 2017-2018 school year! I encourage you all to take advantage of what the Illinois chapter of PRSSA has to offer.
The Executive Board and I have been working hard on opportunities for you to start/build your professional growth. There are many ways to dive into PRSSA such as the in-house agency, Illini PR, the PR Team for the Roger Ebert Film Festival, the Crisis Communication Team, or by attending guest speaker and networking events and trips.
Getting involved early is a quick way to assert yourself as a PR professional, not only to employers but to your peers and professors as well. I joined PRSSA as a sophomore majoring in advertising. While I was enjoying advertising, I was finding that I wasn’t passionate for it. I decided to give PRSSA a try and fell in love instantly.
I started working on the PR team for Roger Ebert Film Festival and had such a fun time collaborating with other team members and gaining real experience. My work with the festival gave me the confidence to apply for the VP Communications position on the Executive Board. Through that position, I founded the Crisis Communications Team. After working closely with Lynn Holley, an adjunct journalism professor, I felt confident to teach and work with other students interested in building a career in crisis communications.
It has been through PRSSA that I have been able to gain the experience that led to me working two summers as a Community Affairs and Public Relations Intern for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and as the Communications Coordinator for the Office of State Representative Carol Ammons.
No matter what your major is, I hope you find a place in PRSSA where you feel inspired to advance in Public Relations. I wish you all the best of luck with this semester. Make sure you check our calendar and blog to stay updated on our events!
Warm Regards,
Alexandria Hawkey
Learn more about our President, Alexandria, and her role in PRSSA here.
