A long time ago in a galaxy not far from Sanford Stadium, I studied public relations at the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It wasn’t much different then versus the way it is today – except that we didn’t have computers, cell phones, fax machines, pagers, the Internet, blogs, Facebook, Google, Madonna or South Park. Come to think of it, it was quite a bit different.
One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the need for PR people to network. That includes students, too, for a couple of reasons – one, because you can never start too early, and two, because the less you know about the business you’ve chosen to be in, the more important it is for you to learn by talking to other people.
That’s where clubs like PRSA and PRSSA come in. Even in the 1970s, before the beginning of recorded time, these organizations were providing Grady students with opportunities to meet and share ideas and experiences with professionals and other students.
As a PR professional, you’ll frequently find yourself relying on your contacts in the PR industry to help you figure out how to do your job well. A lot of the things you’ll encounter in your career won’t be written down in any textbook, and the only way to get a handle on them will be to compare notes with others who are dealing with the same kinds of challenges. They’ll be only too glad to help – because someday, they may need to pick your brain, too.
PRSSA is a good way to learn those skills, and get a leg up on introducing yourself to the professional community. In fact, if you have the time for it, you should join more than one such organization. The more, the merrier. (Do they still say that?)
Quick sidebar: I actually met my wife at a PRSA event. We’ll celebrate our 20th anniversary next spring, and according to her, I’m very happy. So sometimes you get more than you bargained for.
By the way, one other thing that’s changed since I was in college – it’s been nearly three decades since UGA won a national championship in football. Here’s hoping that changes this year. Run, Knowshon, run.
Tripp Cagle
Communications Supervisor
ABJ 1981
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