Becoming a PRSA Fellow: Taking Your APR Accreditation to the Next Level

The 2023 PRSA Icon event in Nashville left a lasting impression on attendees, with their perspectives shaped by their roles and career stages. For many, achieving the APR designation marked a significant milestone, symbolizing their commitment to excellence and ethical standards in the field. However, for others, the question of “what’s next?” immediately arose once they received their designation.

For those seeking to further their professional growth and influence, there’s another path to consider–becoming a PRSA Fellow. PRSA bestows the title of Fellow upon APR-accredited members who have showcased outstanding leadership and expertise in the field.

One ICON highlight was PRSA past-chair Anthony D’Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA, discussing his designation as a “Fellow.” This sparked immediate interest among our members, prompting them to explore what this distinction could mean for their careers.

The Georgia Chapter was well represented in the conversation. Jennifer Grizzle, APR, Fellow PRSA, was part of a panel discussion to help senior-level, accredited PRSA members determine if they are ready to apply for Fellows membership.

Here are some of the key benefits of working towards PRSA Fellowship after earning your APR accreditation:

Recognition and Credibility: Being a PRSA Fellow signifies a seasoned professional with extensive experience and expertise, enhancing your reputation and credibility in the industry.

Leadership Opportunities: Fellows often take on influential roles within PRSA, contributing to the organization’s growth and shaping the future of the industry. This involvement enables networking with key professionals and participation in the profession’s advancement.

Mentorship and Learning: As a Fellow, you can serve as a mentor to APR candidates, guiding them on their accreditation journey. This role promotes continuous learning and the opportunity to give back to the profession.

Access to Exclusive Resources: PRSA Fellows gain access to exclusive resources, events, and opportunities that foster their professional development.

Personal and Professional Growth: Pursuing Fellowship encourages ongoing learning, ensuring your skills and knowledge stay current in a rapidly evolving field.

Working towards PRSA Fellowship after obtaining your APR accreditation presents a prestigious opportunity offering recognition, leadership roles, mentorship, access to valuable resources, and personal and professional growth. It’s the path to elevate your PR career, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Fellows should have Minimum of 240 months of public relations and communication experience and the application should include 20 case studies and 5 letters of support. For more information, visit College of Fellows.

— Greg Perry, Cision PR Newswire, Chapter Membership Committee