Across 2020, 12 graduates participated in PRSA Georgia’s inaugural Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program, a partnership between the Mentorship and College Relations Committees to provide support and development opportunities during the transition from full-time student to intern, employee or job seeker. The recent graduates joined six virtual discussions with local industry leaders, offering them an introduction to core skills and a wealth of advice to kickstart their success in the world of PR and communications, including:
- Starting Your Career – Internships/Externships versus Full Time, Entrepreneurship, led by Mark Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA
- Building Relationships & Growing Your Network, led by Neil Hirsch, APR
- The Functions – Internal, PR, Public Affairs, Executive Support, led by Kent Landers, APR
- Goal Setting & Career Pathing, led by Elyse Hammett, APR
- Negotiating Salary and Benefits (Pre- and Post-Hire), led by Conroy Boxhill
- The PRSA Way – Strategic Comms Planning, Development & Recognition, led by Karen Cole
Read below the graduates’ thoughts on how the experience has benefitted them both personally and professionally.
What would you say to students who are considering joining the program in the future (if offered)?
“If you are on the fence about joining the mentorship program, this is your sign to sign up ASAP! The information you can learn, the connections you can make and the opportunities that will unfold in front of you are just a few of the many benefits that make this program so worthwhile,” commented Hall.
“The best part of participating in this program (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic) is having the opportunity to hear from industry professionals on various topics while networking with everyone involved in the program! COVID-19 may have derailed many plans, but the mentorship program has allowed me (and my fellow recent graduates) to stay connected and plugged into the world of PR,” he added.
– Gavin Hall, 2020 graduate, Georgia State University
What has been the best part of your experience in the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program so far?
“The best part of my experience in the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program is being able to network with seasoned professionals of different backgrounds. Each mentor has shared so much knowledge and has been so welcoming, especially when answering our questions about the PR industry.”
-Manuela Hernandez, 2020 graduate, Georgia State University
What has been the best part of your experience in the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program so far?
“As someone who has a particular interest in international public relations, I had previously had trouble finding mentors who had in-depth experience they were willing to share. With the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program, however, I have finally had the opportunity to learn from people who have held my dream career positions.”
What benefit to your personal/professional development do you think the program provides?
“The program has offered me the chance to connect with inspiring professionals that I would likely never get a chance to connect with in my day-to-day life. Not only have I had the chance to discuss unique aspects of the public relations career field, but I have also had the reassurance of mentors who have persevered through the career challenges that I’m going through right now.”
What would you say to students who are considering joining the program in the future (if offered)?
“This is a unique experience that would be very hard to find somewhere else. The insights and career relationships you can create in this program are an asset to any young public relations professional.”
-Madison Griffin, Graduate Research Assistant, School of Communication and Media, Kennesaw State University
What has been the best part of your experience in the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program so far?
“The best part of my experience in the PRSA Georgia Collegiate Cohort Mentorship Program so far has been listening to various PR professionals as they share their stories of how they achieved the level of success they currently possess, as well as engaging with other like-minded students.”
What benefit to your personal/professional development do you think the program provides?
“The benefits the program provides to my personal and professional development include highlighting the necessary skills to not only be a successful PR professional, but an effective communicator in everyday life. The program also provides the opportunity to expand my professional network with seasoned PR professionals, as well as those who are just starting their careers.”
What would you say to students who are considering joining the program in the future (if offered)?
“To students who are considering joining the program in the future, I would say don’t let the opportunity pass you by. It’s not often that you are mentored by a PR professional of a major corporation or provided with the skills and knowledge to be successful in the PR industry.”
-Alyse-Noël Hicks, MPS Candidate Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies