Ohio State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America traveled to New York City on Jan. 31-Feb. 2 to tour public relations agencies and network with alumni. The trip provided 31 students the opportunity to visit a variety of types and sizes of agencies, from global firms like Edelman and FleishmanHillard to smaller agencies like Small Girls PR and Hunter Public Relations. Students also visited the advertising firms VaynerMedia and Campbell Ewald.

The agency tours featured an in-depth look into the work each company does and their culture. Students were able to see how many different directions a career in communications can lead. Many of the agencies also discussed their internship programs and provided students with the opportunity to make connections should they apply for an internship.

The trip was organized by two PRSSA members- fourth-year Margo Trubiano and third-year Konni Lorenz.

“The New York trip opens doors and eyes for many students. Many PRSSA members establish goals on this trip with the help of alumni who graciously host us at their workplaces,” Trubiano said.

The trip also included two alumni mixers for students to meet and connect with Ohio State alumni working in New York City. Alumna Jani Aronow-Gerard, former president and CEO of Aronow Communications, hosted the students at her home for a formal mixer, pictured below.

A new addition to the trip this year was every student met with an alum for lunch. This allowed students to get a more personalized sense of what is it like to live and work in New York City.

“Now in our third year of this trip, we’re really seeing the benefit of the relationships built between students and alumni and companies in the New York City area,” Mary Sterenberg, the PRSSA faculty advisor, said. “That city represents a hub for the communication industry, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to experience that first hand.”