A group of 12 students from the PRSSA Nevada (Public Relations Student Society of America) attended the  PRSSA national conference in Boston and came back armed with tools to succeed in the workforce. PRSSA Nevada VP of Publicity has five key takeaways below.

1. Tools for the industry

Web applications such as Coverage Book or  Mention help public relations professionals monitor how their brand is perceived by the public. These tools collect media mentions and effectively track earned media efforts. Get to know them  before you head into the real world.

2.  Setting up your event for success

Bryar Keyes, VP of Events and Fundraising for PRSSA National Committee, said this about event planning: “If you’re going to reach your target audience you’ve got to learn from the best. Top PR companies like  Edelman and  Fleishman Hillard will teach you the best strategies of this industry.”

Always think of your audience during event promotions. Think of your  location and make a list of what your local demographics are interested in. Reno residents love events such as  Night in the Country and  Reno Rodeos. How would you effectively promote your brand here?

3. Love where you live

Sure, a creative mind is key for all public relations professionals in the public and private sector. Yet, multiple experts told me that you must love what you do if you work in this business. And that means you have to to find the city that best suits your personality.

The world of PR is growing and evolves as trends change.

“You have to be able to adapt in our work. Changing to meet the needs of the public is part of what we do,” said Laura Vellidis, PR Specialist at  Nebo Agency. “With that said, your city may be the only constant. Make sure it’s one that you enjoy.”

4. Realities versus Expectations of PR

Vellidis also stressed public relations professionals don’t just “party plan and tweet”. Students must be prepared to write press releases, be experts in graphic design and produce videos. There are hundreds of career paths you can choose when you graduate.

“The best preparation for the real world is to work with local agencies through PRSSA.”

5. A taste of humble pie

“You’re not the expert, your bosses are”.

Nikki Barjon, Global Strategist in Branding and Communications at  The Barjon Group, gave a presentation stressing the importance of balancing ambition with humility.

“Be an empty cup. If you come into the room full of yourself, there will be no room for me to pour knowledge.”

An internship/first job is designed for you to learn. Don’t impose your ideas onto an experienced professional.

Thanks to RSJ alum John Brodeur whose team shared insights on the industry and how to get into it over a hosted lunch for all 12 students and their faculty adviser Alison Gaulden, APR.

PRSSA National Conference in Boston taught me some valuable lessons, but there’s still more learning to do. The adventure continues with our  2018 PRSSA Bateman Case Study Team:

• Caroline Ackerman
• Caroline Boorman
• Hannah Gonzalez
• Daniel Lindbergh Lang
• Even Muth

This year’s team will incorporate their skills from the classroom into a campaign designed to increase awareness for safe and effective treatment for children with cancer in America.

Good luck Bateman team!