Are you an underclassman seeking an extracurricular on campus or a senior, like myself, realizing an internship isn’t in the cards? If you don’t know about BSU’s student chapter for The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) you may have just found exactly what you’ve been missing. Whether you’re studying communications or undeclared, this pre-professional organization offers students the chance to gain experience that will translate into their future career. In joining PRSSA, you’re checking the box that employers “prefer” (aka require) having real life work experience.

A huge advantage of PRSSA is forming meaningful connections with industry experts, who provide knowledge on the latest industry news. On October 23, PRSSA hosted a Visual Resumes workshop as the first installment of their fall “Build Your Own Professional Brand” workshop series. PRSSA had the honor of welcoming Darlene Hollywood, principal of award-winning public relations firm Hollywood Agency (Hingham, MA) to BSU’s campus.

Hollywood presented to communication studies students about the advantages of visual resumes in breaking through the clutter when applying for jobs and internships. Students learned what employers are looking for when a resume crosses their desks and how they can stand out from the rest. Hollywood fielded student questions ranging from resumes to the actual interview, offering sound advice and knowledge to better prepare BSU students for the post-graduate world.

Darlene Hollywood is the perfect example of mentorships that can be created through the association. Having a conversation and lasting connection with prior president of the Boston Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the nation’s largest chapters is an impressive advantage that could give a student a serious leg up against competing applicants in their future job search. Planning and attending these campus events with PRSSA will provide you with tremendous experience and connections.

PRSSA meets bi-weekly in the Maxwell Library in room 215 on Wednesdays at 5:00pm. To stay up to date with meeting and event announcements you can follow their Instagram and Twitter @bsuprssa and for all BSU student announcements follow BearingGoodNews on Snapchat.

PRSSA’s next event “Nailing the Interview” will take place on Wednesday, November 20^th in ECC 113 from 5:00-6:00 pm.