O'Brien: So - how open are fellow students to working on projects outside of the classroom? Are there any local projects students take on, without the mentoring of professors?
Gonzalez: It's also important to stay in contact with people you have had an internship. Drop a line and stay in contact.
Scozzaro: The classroom is often limited with guidelines; I think working outside of the classroom alongside others that have your same interests will give you that "real-world" experience
Papsun: From my experiences, some PRSSA chapters have great student-run agencies. Those that join and stick with it are usually very dedicated. There is also the
Bateman Competition, which my school has not been very involved with since it requires a tremendous amount of time outside the classroom for us.
Dawes: Local projects are really common in my area. Many students will get involved with small nonprofit organizations to get the experience. Often times these students learn a tremendous amount because they end up being the only PR person there.
Gonzalez: Our PRSSA chapter has 'its] own student-run agencies that give great experience to students. I feel that joining organizations with the same interests as your peers is a great way to work on a project(s).
Burke: In regards to the question, Heather makes a good point. There are quite a few PR students who are not active members in PRSSA. On the other end, there usually seems to be a core group in chapters that really go after outside work. My school has a student-run firm which provides excellent opportunities for those members.
Papsun: I think no matter where you are, there are opportunities if you look for them. You can definitely make the most of what you have.
Dawes: Also, several of my classes have focused on service learning projects. In these courses I've created communications plans, press releases, media events, etc. for a local nonprofit organization. Many times I've had to pitch to these "clients" as well.
Lucido:
Along with Heather's comment, that's what separates applicants for jobs.
O'Brien: Do you think student-run firms are more common these days?
Gonzalez: Definitely agree with Heather. Opportunities are out there. It's very rare that people turn away free work!
Papsun: I would definitely say that yes, student-run firms are more common. The PR industry really seems to be booming, and students know that.
Lucido: Student-run firms are definitely more common, even in the past couple of years more and more schools are making the commitment.
Papsun: it's becoming more and more competitive. I've met a ton of students who are also just so eager to get their feet wet.
Burke: I've heard of them more and more. But like Erika said, you can take the initiative no matter where you live and make your own opportunities.
Gonzalez: Not only are student-run firms common, but I feel that more students are starting to be open and develop[ing] an interest in PR.
Lucido: In Michigan, there used to only be one student-run firm; many of the PRSSA Chapters that I have kept in contact with in Michigan are planning to launch one this year.
Scozzaro: And to go off what Heather said, students know that its what you do outside of just the classroom that really matters. Like we all said before, having real experience is what will get you ahead, so yes. Student-run firms are more common.
Burke: I would like to think that student firm expansion is due to the incredible leadership in PRSSA. Their energy and dedication is top notch.
O'Brien: Onto a question about diversity – do classes feature a diverse group of students? Or is that still a major issue?
Burke: I think that depends on the school. I know the majority of my peers are white females, which seems to be the main demographic in the industry right now.
Gonzalez: I hardly had any guys in my class! It was all girls with maybe a handful of guys. Also, I was generally one of the very few Hispanics in my classes.
Papsun: I think BU is making more and more of an effort to attract a diverse group of students, but it still seems to be an issue. It's definitely something I would like to see expand a lot more. The more we can all learn from each other, the better! It seems that this is also an issue in the profession in general.
Dawes: This is possibly because I'm from a small town in Indiana but I feel like there is still a lack of diversity. However, that depends on your definition of diversity.
Lucido: PRSSA defines diversity as not only differences in ethnicity, but also in your major, your gender, your interests, your background, etc.