FAQs
What is public relations?
Public relations is the practice of managing the communication between an organization and its publics. From public speaking for organization representation, working with the media, crisis communications, social media engagement, and employee communication, public relations builds rapport with any person or group of people who has an effect in an organization’s success or failure.
What career can I have in this industry?
Public relations graduates work as media relations specialists and strategic planners in public relations departments and firms, as internal and external communication specialists in corporations, as public information specialists in government agencies and the military, and in fund-raising and membership development for non-profit organizations.
I am a freshman. Am I too young to be in PRSSA?
Never! Although PRSSA’s practices and member events are based on much of SDSU’s JMS curriculum, it is never too early to get your feet wet. The earlier you expose yourself to the industry and its professionals, the more you will be prepared to enter the workforce with a solid foundation.
How much is is to join?
Dues are currently 70 dollars for a full year (two semesters) of membership. They are collected at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semester. If you pay in the Fall, you don’t have to pay again until next fall. If you pay in the Spring, you don’t have to pay again until next spring. Got it? You can always ask if it gets confusing. :)
As a member, how much time do I have to commit?
PRSSA has many opportunities for both professional development and social networking. Meetings are held about once every two weeks. We support campus and community-wide fundraisers, host special events and also get together for fun socials. All of these are not required … but most definitely, recommended.
I’m not a member, but I want to attend one of your meetings and/or events? What can I do?
Meetings are not exclusive to members, and anyone may attend – most especially if the dues deadline has already passed. Simply contact one of your executive board members or e-mail us, at prssa_sdsu@yahoo.com, if you have detailed questions about attending. But, being a paid member does provide you with benefits that are offered to members only (Web site member resources, internship postings, member certification, special event and national conference registration discounts, to name a few).
Do I have to be public relations or journalism major?
Nope. From journalism to business, communications to psychology, sociology even to physics – you name it. PRSSA is a pre-professional society of students preparing to be better communicators and more advanced job-seekers. You’ll see that public relations have a key role in any and every industry.
What benefits will I have as a member of PRSSA when joining PRSA after I graduate?
PRSSA graduates are now being offered the chance to become associate members of PRSA, the professional organization, at an incredible discounted rate. In addition, they will continue to receive even more resources, including professional development seminars, networking opportunities through meetings and workshops, a guided accreditation program (APR), and more – all on a national level.
