On Tuesday, April 9, Oakland University’s own PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) organization hosted an event for students to meet with professionals, seek advice and talk about potential job opportunities and internships.
Just like the mocktail event, the PRSSA organization hosts events to help students adapt professional skills and expand their networks for those who are in fields that include strategic communication and public relations.
The mocktail event was set up as a speed dating setting. A group of students would meet with one employer for a certain amount of time before switching to the next employer, so all students could meet with every employer present.
The goal of the event was for students to make connections and expand their networking portfolio. Also, to ask employers questions about the recruitment process, receive tips and get familiar with meeting professionals.
Maddy Aude is a junior who is majoring in public relations and communication. She attended the event as she heard about it through Professor Su and Professor Gibson.
“I wanted to come to this event because I knew it would be a good opportunity to talk to professionals in the public relations and communication industry and learn more about their jobs,” Aude said.
Aude heard about the event and wanted to expand her network to see potential employers and any future job opportunities or tips.
“I was hoping that we would be able to learn more about different professions in this field and get to know more about the job recruitment process,” Aude said. “I definitely learned a lot through this event and I’m really happy that I attended.”
Rachel Rossman, another junior involved with PRSSA, was introduced to the organization by her professor Holly Gilbert.
“Making connections in Metro-Detroit is meaningful to me because I live in Northwest Indiana,” Rossman said.
According to LinkedIn, there are over 2,000 jobs that are for either communication or public relation careers across the Metro-Detroit area. In a heavily populated area such as Detroit, making connections and spreading one’s network is important when finding a job for that fits one’s career.
“Being able to expand my professional network is something that I think is very important and an opportunity I will always take advantage of,” Rossman said.
When opportunities appear, one must take advantage of those opportunities. The PRSSA puts on many different events every year for students, to help build their network and get their name out to possible future employers.
“At this event, I hoped to meet new peers and professionals and to learn new things about the professional workforce. I was able to hand out my resume and build on prior connections too which was very beneficial for me,” Rossman said.
Overall, the event became an overall success. Aude and Rossman were both pleased with the event and happy with the fact they were able to attend.
For those with questions regarding PRSSA or the Communication, Journalism and Public Relations fields, please reach out to the department by emailing [email protected].
