“I’m a member of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and I attend all the events, I’ve gotten a few internships and I might stay with one firm that I like for a little bit after I graduate, but I’ve been reading the Public Relations Journal [4. Authoritative Publication] and I think I may want to explore a wider variety of opportunities,” said John, a senior at BYU.
Dr. Brown, on of John’s mentors in the School of Communications, leaned forward a little across his desk. “So you want to continue to build your network and attend events? Did you know that PRSA—the official Public Relations Society of America [1. Authoritative Organization]—will allow you to extend your membership and even give you a discount for having already been a student member?”
John’s eyes lit up, “Really? Would I still be able to get the same benefits that I have now in PRSSA?”
“Of course! I would suggest that you familiarize yourself thoroughly with the PRSA Member Code of Ethics [2. Regulating Standard]. Having a PRSA membership is a valuable asset to your career and if you violate the code of ethics—even by accident—PRSA could bar, limit or expel you from membership—not to mention you could get arrested. Think of the lost networking opportunities!” Dr. Brown shook his head at the imaginary scenario.
“What kind of networking opportunities? How can I get to them?” John pulled out a notebook.
“Not only networking, but internship and even career opportunities, trainings to strengthen your strategic planning skills and presentations to challenge your view on modern public relations practices. The field is changing so fast…”
By that November, John had crossed the stage with a diploma in hand, worked at a firm and was now making his way around to different key public relations practitioners in what the PRSA International Conference [3. Influential Event] called the ‘Networking Hall.’ Afterwards was a workshop on how to deal with authorities that make unethical decisions within a business or firm. John was eager to learn more about how to stay honest with the public in order to keep in line with his moral and career goals while perhaps risking his relationship with bosses and organizations. [5. Challenging Authority/Changing Standards] Public relations was so much more strategic, in-depth and interesting than he had ever imagined!
I'm just super happy your story is between a professor and a student, showing the opportunities we can initiate and receive from those we learn from at school. But this was cool! It makes sense that for Public Relations, and all things public in general, a code of ethics needs to be established. It's been fun to learn about the different organizations and events each field has.
ReplyDeleteBeing a PR major too, I am so enthusiastic of an organization that has created a Student Chapter for aspiring practitioners like myself. I am eager (as I am sure you are, too) for the networking opportunities that can come of the student society.
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