The Sacred Heart University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter is a campus organization that has existed on and off but has recently been started up again. The chapter consists of 47 current members: 14 graduate students and 33 undergraduate students.
PRSSA is open to all majors and anyone that is interested in growing their knowledge of Public Relations by getting hands-on experience with campaigns for clients at Sacred Heart or in the local community. PRSSA is housed within the School of Communications, Media, and the Arts.
Public Relations is a large, diverse community that is crucial to the survival of businesses and companies in each industry. People who enter this field aim to build their communication skills and professional connections.
PRSSA is the collegiate organization started by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) who are an industry of professionals that encourage networking and mentoring for college students, so they are more prepared when entering the field. PRSSA National started in 1967 and consists of various chapters across the United States.
“Here at Sacred Heart’s chapter of PRSSA, we strive to provide members with the opportunity to broaden their network, learn new career skills and help launch their careers in the right direction,” said President of PRSSA Jayson Sementilli.
PRSSA at Sacred Heart started several years ago but was inactive for undergraduate students in recent years.
“As a new faculty member and PRSSA advisor, I am tasked with growing and engaging undergraduates in PRSSA,” said PRSSA advisor Professor Mark Congdon. “It’s not new but more so about reengaging and introducing PR to the community and trying to get involvement in ways we have not.”
During the beginning of the fall semester, the chapter was relaunched, giving undergraduates the ability to learn about an ever-changing industry.
“Anyone who would like to get involved can join at prssa.prsa.org/join-prssa by enrolling in the Sacred Heart University chapter,” said Sofia Henrich-Herrera, Director of Digital Communication & Social Media.
There are multiple benefits to becoming a member of the PRSSA. Students have access to workshops and events that provide them with hands-on learning to enhance their personal portfolio and gain insight on a particular field with similar interests.
“Having a career in Public Relations is an excellent opportunity because PR is in every business and organization,” said Sementilli. “I chose to get involved in PR because I want to refine my writing, speaking and communication skills, as well as the ability to grow my network connections and be involved in several different industries of interest.”
“I got involved with PR in my undergraduate courses. As a member of the chapter, I saw an email to apply for the Vice President position, so I went for it. Now I am the only graduate student on the current E-board,” said Abigail Frisoli, Vice President of PRSSA. “As a graduate student, my classes are PR-heavy, and I am also fortunate enough to have a graduate position with Sacred Heart’s Marketing and Communication Department, where I get exposure to the field.”
PRSSA is always posting career and internship opportunities on their website and Instagram page (@sacredheart_prssa) as well as hosting events. Students who belong to the chapter across the nation receive primary access to these listings.
There are exclusive programs for members, such as career-building workshops. On Monday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., current PRSSA members held table times, answering any questions about the benefits of joining the chapter, upcoming events, time commitment and chapter fees.
On Nov. 12, there will be a virtual event with a panel of Sacred Heart alumni in the Public Relations and Communications field. There are various events planned later this semester and in the upcoming spring semester, including a professional branding workshop, resume building and more events geared toward professional development. Additional information and registration opportunities are available on the Sacred Heart Public Relations Instagram page.
