Name: Sonali Hettipola
Year: Senior
Major: Strategic Communication
Tell us about the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). PRSSA is a great place to build your communications skills and to advance your professionalism within the PR industry. Our goals are to create a gateway for students to learn more about the communication world by using mentorship and provide career development opportunities. We host various professionals to come speak about their experiences and their journey into their fields, as well as having Q&As for students that are curious about the speaker's specific jobs. We also visit many different cities like New York and Chicago to tour corporate offices of big PR agencies, as well as PR Conferences in Los Angeles that we will be attending this month.
Why did you join PRSSA? I joined PRSSA to meet people with the same professional goals and make connections to accelerate my career. I also wanted to narrow down the specific field that I wanted to pursue by speaking to different PR professionals. I also joined because I wanted to run as the DEI director for PRSSA board and gain leadership skills. After I was elected, my goal was to establish more diversity within PRSSA and get more inclusive speakers and PR professionals that work in the DEI field to attend our meetings. I want everyone of all genders and cultures to feel comfortable attending and gain valuable information through our chapter.
What is your favorite memory of working with PRSSA? My favorite memory is when we had our elections for our new board. When I got elected, we all celebrated by going to dinner and enjoyed each other's presence. I learned that I made a great group of friends and was excited to embark on a new journey.
What tips or suggestions do you have for students who are looking for the right club or organization to join at the Ohio State University? I recommend doing your research and attending club fairs to learn more about the clubs and organizations you want to join. I learned about PRSSA through social media and attending a meeting. As well as speaking to anyone within clubs to learn more about them.
How do new people get involved with PRSSA? You can email me Hettipola.2@osu.edu with any questions! As well as our Instagram @ohiostateprssa. We have meetings every Wednesday from 6:15-7:15pm and everyone is welcome.
Name: Lindsey Romano
Year: Senior
Major: Strategic Communication
Tell us about the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). PRSSA is a pre-professional national organization that connects students with professional development and networking opportunities in the field of public relations. It is geared toward students who are currently studying communication or similar fields and want to prepare for a career in public relations. The goals of the organization are to connect students with professionals and fellow students, provide them with professional development opportunities, offer chances for mentorship, and connect members with job and internship opportunities. Events include weekly meetings with guest speakers as well as one out-of-state networking trip per semester.
Why did you join PRSSA? I joined PRSSA to learn more about the possibilities in a communication career and to meet fellow communication students. Since joining, I have learned about the many careers within the field of public relations, made great connections, and feel prepared to enter the workforce. I have continued to come to PRSSA for the opportunities it has provided me to grow as a young professional and connect with the communication industry.
What is your favorite memory of working with PRSSA? My favorite memory in the day-to-day of working with PRSSA has been serving on the e-board the past three years. Working with my fellow e-board members has given me a strong connection and love for my career path and has allowed me to bloom as a leader. As a more specific memory, I attended a national conference with PRSSA last year. I got to meet with communication professionals and students from across the country. It made me feel so special to be a part of such an expansive organization, and I loved being able to hear from students and professionals on their unique experiences in the industry.
What tips or suggestions do you have for students who are looking for the right club or organization to join at the Ohio State University? My biggest tip is to take advantage of every opportunity. Attend a few meetings for different clubs until you find one you like. Once you do, utilize every opportunity they offer you. The experience of joining a club is truly what you make of it, so make the most of it by taking every chance to grow and learn.
How do new people get involved with PRSSA? Our meetings are every Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:15 in Enarson 311. They are open to anyone, so this is the best way to get started.