Unleashing Opportunities at the Jack J. Valenti of Communication School UH: An In-depth Look into the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter

The Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston is home to many communication organizations, which grant students the dynamic opportunity to get involved and expand their network and knowledge outside of the traditional classroom setting. Organizations provide students the chance to be involved within the community as well as the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals that could last beyond college. In this blog, I would like to highlight the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) organization here at the University of Houston. 

About UH PRSSA

The Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at the University of Houston was founded back in 1968, which is an organization that empowers students pursuing public relations careers. The organization offers networking, internship opportunities, career resources, and access to industry professionals. Students who join gain hands-on experience, the chance to attend conferences, and the opportunity to develop essential public relations skills regardless of one’s major. PRSSA offers a wide range of events that entice members to be involved in whichever way they choose to. 

Professional Development

PRSSA is a lively hub for students eager to build their communications careers. The organization offers workshops in which guest speakers from the field will tackle a topic from their expertise, such as crisis communications, hospitality PR, and social media, and give members the chance for hands-on experiences that are interactive and help members hone their skills. Site visits along with workshops are the epitome of an immersive experience for members to go off campus and visit with communications teams from major organizations and witness firsthand how professionals work. Previous site visits that PRSSA has done include the Houston Texans, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, the Houston Astros, the Houston Dynamo, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Site visits such as these, allow members to gain a behind-the-scenes look at communication practices that make these major Houston organizations successful. 

Philanthropy and Networking

Another aspect that members can get involved in within PRSSA is through philanthropy, in which students have the opportunity to give back to the Houston community as well as network with professionals. One may never know who they will meet and network with at volunteering events! Outside of the many great opportunities for members to gain knowledge and network outside the traditional classroom setting, PRSSA hosts monthly socials for members to take the opportunity to know their peers and forge long-lasting connections that extend beyond college graduation. Whether members join to get a start on their professional careers or make friends, there is no doubt about the enriching experience members will receive by making connections with their peers.

PRSSA Commitment to Student Success

PRSSA is committed to navigating students in the field of public relations and building a sense of community. With recent developments within the organization, such as communication workshops led by the Director of Communications, Jacob Castillo, who has extensive experience in the field of social media and political campaigns, and many other developments. The UH PRSSA chapter grants members a wide variety of opportunities for professional development and mentorship. The organization continues to have events and is accepting of any majors to join. Join PRSSA and begin building your professional career and network today!