Developing Your Professional Network in Public Relations

Having a strong interest in public, media, and community relations, I have been researching some of the best professional associations in the industry.   At the top of the list and a leader in the public relations field is the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).  Chartered in 1947, PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals and currently has more than 21,000 members.  (PRSA.org)

PRSA offers three major benefits: Learning, Intelligence, and Networking.  With a section dedicated to Entertainment and Sports, PRSA is a valuable resource offering “great opportunities to connect with peers who understand your issues and are willing to share solutions”.  (PRSA.org) PRSA offers networking opportunities through industry conferences and professional development programs and they have the only industry accreditation program (Accredited in Public Relations Program).  In addition, PRSA keeps you up to date on industry information through daily news updates and blogs as well as a career advice library and job mentoring.  PRSA’s job center also allows job seekers to post resumes, search jobs, and view average salary information.

There are several membership options with annual dues ranging from $60 for current graduate students to $225 for professionals with two or more years of public relations experience.  While much of the information online can be accessed without a membership, there are benefits such as free professional development, preferred pricing on seminars, workshops, and boot camps, and a database of case studies and other various research available only to members.

Colleges and students also have the option of joining the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).  The PRSSA is made up of over 10,000 students and advisers in 300 plus Chapters in the United States and Argentina.  (PRSSA.org) PRSSA helps students to launch their career in Public Relations through connections to internships, competitions, scholarships, news, and social media such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.  Also included in the PRSSA membership is access to the PRSA job center.     

PRSA and PRSSA have proven to be valuable resources to professionals of all levels.  While I have not yet become a member, I am considering suggesting that my university start a chapter.  Doug Hicks, Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications for D.C. United, spoke to students at the PRSSA 2010 National Conference Professional Development session, “Creating a Career in Entertainment and Sports”.  He said it best when he advised, “Find something you love and find out how to make it your career.”  If public relations and communication is your passion, joining PRSA and PRSSA is a good start to developing your professional network.

http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/

http://www.prssa.org/about/

http://www.prssa.org/forum/article.aspx?issueid=176&id=699&utm_campaign=PRSASearch&utm_source=PRSAWebsite&utm_medium=SSearch&utm_term=Sports