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Member Highlight – Crystal Arellano

Hi, could we get your name, age, and major?

My name is Crystal Arellano, I am 21, and my major is Communications with an emphasis in PR.

What is your favorite place to hang out on campus?

My favorite place to hang out is at the Chicano Resource Center, because I have a little family there in which I feel like I am a part of something. I feel comfortable doing homework there, or just relaxing and hanging out with friends.

How long have you been a part of PRSSA and what made you decide to join?

I have been in PRSSA for one semester. I wanted to join because it is definitely somewhere where you can network with any other PR majors and start to learn more about the field that you want to go into. So far I have really enjoyed the panels, because they are very informative and you get a more in-depth view of what it’s like to be in the business. Not only that, it’s been really helpful to receive tips on what you should be doing now to get to where you want to be.

Which of the panels have been your favorite so far and why?

The first panel, The ABCs of Lifestyle PR, has been my favorite so far. I think I enjoyed that one because we got to see four different speakers who were from completely different industries in PR, so I think it helped us decide what we were more interested in doing.

What is one thing you look forward to in your career?

I really enjoy writing, so I most look forward to exploring what my potential is within PR writing.

What has PRSSA taught you that you can use in the PR industry?

It had taught me that nothing that you are doing now is going to go to waste, because any work opportunity is going to be of value and help you in the future with whatever you decide to pursue.

What branch of PR do you see yourself working in, and why?

I am very interested in event planning, because it is one of the things I have had experience leading. I like being kept on my toes and working at a fast pace, along with being able to see the outcome of the work you put in.

What did you like about this last panel?

I liked that we got to see a different type of PR that we can pursue a career in. I feel like the guest speakers allowed us to see the worth in going into nonprofit work, and it was very inspiring to see the passion they have for their work. It opens up an interest for me within nonprofit PR.

What would you say are the top three words to best describe you?

Silly, organized, and loud!

Do you have a motto or personal mantra that you like to live by?

Live today to the fullest, because tomorrow is not promised.

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Earning a Certificate in PR

Written by Brittany Nistler

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The PRSA Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations is quickly becoming a fundamental necessity on PR resumes. This Certificate helps to differentiate college graduates from the others, thereby giving you that extra boost to stand out.

The test is available only to students who are:

(a) within six months of graduation (before or after) from an accredited college or university whose degree is in public relations or a related area of study; AND

(b) members of the Public Relations Student Society of America or student member of another UAB Participating Organization, such as the Florida Public Relations Association or the Southern Public Relations Federation.

I’m sure you thinking, “That’s nice, but is it really worth it?”

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The answer is: YES! But don’t just take my word for it, Grace Granados and Yvonne Luu have both studied hard and passed the test!

What was it about the Certificate that first appealed to you? What was it exactly that encouraged you to take the exam?

Grace:

When Ken was talking about this exam in my capstone class, he frequently said, “This certificate will help you stand out from other PR students,” and that peaked my interest, as I was about to enter the sea of aspiring PR graduates looking for jobs. During my time at CSUF, I invested more time into my extra curriculars and my studies than I did in my career. I waited to find an internship until my senior year and once I saw other PRSSA students talking about how many internships they’d had through college, I already felt behind. So once Ken brought up this exam, I figured that although this wouldn’t make up for my lack of experience, it would boost my resume and give me more confidence when applying for jobs. And it lets me and employers know that I, in fact, know what it means to have a career in public relations.

Yvonne:

I was honestly hesitating when I first heard about the certificate from Professor Hagihara, mostly because it was the first time CSUF was offering the program, and there weren’t many people to personally vouch for it. But to know that this certificate can genuinely help you stand out among the competition—especially considering how only a handful of California colleges or universities have participated so far, I wanted to take advantage of this limited opportunity. Although there was little information surrounding the process available, I knew it would be a worthy investment for my career now and in the long run. I wanted to take initiative of ensuring I was doing what I could to be prepared for the “real world” after graduation.

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What are some of the benefits of having this Certificate?

Grace:

In class, Ken kept pushing that it would make us [PR majors] more marketable to future employers. Feeling as behind as I did when I graduated, I now feel more confident applying to PR jobs, because I feel like this certificate validated that I actually know what I learned in school. I already added this certificate to my resume and applied to a handful of jobs at the end of last week, so we’ll see what kind of doors this opens for me.

Yvonne:

Being able to add this certification to your resume and stand out among your peers, particularly while fresh out of college, is a big benefit of receiving the certification. But to me, the most rewarding benefit is the confidence you’ll find yourself having upon passing the exam, because it validates your knowledge of public relations principles not only to potential employers, but especially to yourself.

 

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Interested in the Certificate? For more information, email Kenneth Hagihara at khagihara@fullerton.edu or Brittany Nistler at brittanynistler@gmail.com

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Member Highlights – November 2018

By: Mayla Lohnes

Jasmine Gollezade
Age: 23
Major: Public Relations

First semester in PRSSA.

What did you like the most about the entertainment PR panel?
I never really thought about doing entertainment, before this panel, and never really thought it’s something I’d be interested in. But after tonight, the panel put the thought in the back of my head like ‘Why not?’ I just always thought that entertainment would be about more flashy stuff and glam. And, I mean, I don’t mind being in the limelight, but not 24/7. I felt like that’s what entertainment is all about. But after tonight, the panel gave me a different light on what it is all about and made me consider looking into it.

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What is your favorite thing about PRSSA?
I would have to say the networking. I feel like the people who are PR majors, and not in PRSSA are missing out so much. But definitely, the networking. PRSSA gives me the supplies and the steps to get me into the field I want to. I want to be able to earn that.

What do you hope PRSSA is able to bring to the table, in the future?
The panels don’t speak to my level of interests, necessarily. I’m an avid backpacker. It’s really fun. Whereas some of the other panels, like makeup…. I like makeup, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not just something I want to do. I like Urban Decay. It’s just not something I want to get into. I would love to see panels involving more outdoor things. The panels [as of late] haven’t really interested me.

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Where did you backpack last?
I went to Orchards McGee Creek in Inyo National Forest, with my dog. It was 2 nights and 3 days. I used to make fun of dogs on Instagram and now I’m here with my dog on Instagram. Follow my dog on Instagram: @OllieBlueBoy. He’s an Australian Shepard, and an ambassador for Kurgo Dog Products (currently sold in Petsmart).

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What has been your favorite panel, so far?
The first one, with Urban decay and Blizzard. It was really interesting. It being the first panel, it opened my eyes up the most (to the industry). With other panels, I feel like I’ve heard some of the same topics addressed now. And this was the first panel, so it was all new. But the other panels give a different perspective on similar ideas, so that’s always nice to hear. But yeah, the first panel definitely set the tone.

One big takeaway from being in PRSSA?
Network more. It’s important to focus on networking. PRSSA isn’t focused on teaching, as much as it is about networking.

What are your hobbies?
I go backpacking with my dog and my boyfriend. I’ve been camping since I was little. I’ve learned that if you can master camping, and get that down, then you can move on to backpacking. It took me two years until I was ready. There is no one around you for miles. The first day we did 11 miles. And the backpack alone weighs about 20 to 30 pounds.

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What branch of PR do you see yourself working in, and why?
I’m still figuring out if I want to get into nonprofit or not. My dream job is to work for Patagonia. Patagonia or REI. REI is in Washington, and Patagonia is in Ventura. I just want to work in something, involving the outdoors. With some of the other panels [in PRSSA] I’d have to do my research for some of those jobs. But with Patagonia, I already know about it and am passionate about it. I don’t have to fake it to make it.

What is your motto in life, that you’d like to leave us with?
“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

Name: Summer Dominguez
Age: 21
4th year
Major: Public Relations and CTVA-Film

First semester in PRSSA.

What has been your favorite panel, so far?
I’m looking forward to the entertainment panel, the most, because of my interests in film. I’m also familiar with a lot of the people on the panel. I think knowing someone’s universal message and standards really helps with every single department. I like the topic of managing crisis communications, even if there are no major problems happening. The lady from House of Blues spoke about needing to be able to balance image management, as well, and what you represent when working with a company. I think with any company that translates well. Regardless if I work in PR and film or production and film, the work still has to be appropriate for a world audience, especially in this day and age that’s growing toward more world exposure. I’m glad I went to this panel, because of the teacher for the comm class. Just to see that he is a CEO and knowing what to expect from that class makes me want to take that course. Not very often do you get to work with the CEO so that has its connections and perks. There’s a lot to learn from that.

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What do you look forward to most in your career, after graduation?
Before I studied for PR and CTVA, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But being in college, you are studying something. And being in this club, you are learning how to network; which is especially good in PR. My goal is to get in the door. What door that may be, I don’t know. I would be happy to work in almost anything in PR. My goal is to get my foot in the door and keep my options open enough to realize there is a door there in the first place. I don’t know what I will be most successful at until I know what I am good at.

What do you hope PRSSA is able to bring to the table, in the future?
Sometimes I wish the panels were every Wednesday! The tours also seem to fill up really quickly. Early bird gets the worm. Sometimes if I miss a panel, or I don’t get to the opportunity to sign up for a tour quick enough, then I miss out on a cool tour. And, I think it’s great to be able to talk to the panelists, but it would also be awesome to be able to talk to my fellow PRSSA members, as well. Some of them are involved (in the industry already), so it would be nice to be able to talk to them and see their strengths and be able to connect with them as well.

What do you like the most about PRSSA?
I really do like the panels, and coming to all of them. I like that we get the opportunity to be able to talk with the panelists and network afterwards. I like how this club brings in professionals that currently work in the business. The communications industry encompasses so many jobs and departments that it can be overwhelming to get an idea about where I think I would fit in. The panels give me real-life insight as to what my job could be like. I hadn’t thought about taking Comm 497T (one of the communication classes being offered next semester), but after hearing the professor speak at the panel, it really encouraged me to enroll in it. And that’s just one of the many opportunities PRSSA has given me.

What are your hobbies?
I like to make films and shorts. It’s a huge process, so I don’t do it very often. I also do photography. I also like to draw and do a lot of art. I can do it at 2am, but it can also take hours. I’m also interested in dance and swim. And I like to dance. I’m a part of the Salsa Club, on campus, as well.

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Celebrating Spooky Season with PRSSA

Written by Mayla Lohnes

Thank you to everyone who attended the Halloween Mixer last week! There were some great costumes. And if you didn’t attend, well there’s always next year.

 

 

This year the Halloween Mixer was held at the Grasslands Meat Market, in the GardenWalk District, located in Anaheim.

 

I dressed up as a cat, in a black velvet dress and black booties. I threw a little makeup on – whiskers on each side of my face – and was ready to go. My roommate, Taylor Magill, another member of PRSSA, came dressed up as a witch. She couldn’t get enough of the event:

 

 

“I met so many great people and was able to network and give out my number to a few members. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

 

Taylor loved being able to dress up and see other creative costumes. Being a transfer student, she was most excited for reaching out and meeting new people.

 

“I had a great time. I even got my fortune read, and it led to some insight into what the near future may bring.”

 

As a transfer student myself, I thought what better way to get involved and meet other PR members than by going to the mixer.

 

 

When we arrived outside the event, we were welcomed by a group of friendly, smiling faces on the board.

 

“Hello! Welcome to the Halloween mixer.”

 

Any fears I had about going to an event in which I knew no one went out the window. The people greeting us made me feel at ease.

 

We got our picture taken in front of a panel that said: “PRSSA”, and were handed a couple blue tickets.

 

“What is this?”

 

“Your free drink ticket!”

 

Awesome!!

 

Food was provided by the restaurant, with delicious helpings of pork sliders, salad, and baked mac and cheese.  

 

We even had a POP bar filled with popsicles, sponsored by the Global Results Communications, to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

 

And yes, I eventually made my way over to the makeshift bar area, and used my free drink ticket on a refreshing margarita.

 

Inside, everything looked spooktacular. Halloween music played in the background, people danced to the beat, and others sat around and mingled with new and familiar faces.

 

I used the opportunity to network and meet new people. We ended up talking with someone who was working on his confidence-building skills to use at the job he just got offered. He was practicing his confidence, by talking to us.

 

If dancing isn’t your thing, there was also a fortune teller in the corner of the room. It definitely added to the ultra-spooky vibes, as he told you what your future held, based on the cards you picked.

 

I got my fortune read. End result? I have strong beliefs that I stick by, but something may be in my way that’s holding me back. However, rest assured, I will get through it and come out stronger on the other end. Not a bad fortune, if I must say.

 

 

Oh! And there were plenty of opportunities to win prizes: costume contests, mummy wraps, and raffles with some of the prizes being an Urban Decay palette, gift card to GardenWalk restaurants, Vans gift card and more.

 

Overall, I had a great experience at the mixer. Great job to the PRSSA team for helping put this together. To everyone who couldn’t make it this year, please try to make it out next year. I promise you won’t regret it!

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National Conference 2018 Recap

For the 2018 PRSSA National Conference to Austin, Texas we had CSUF member Eric Peterson and Tania Aureoles give us some information on the experiences they had and their favorite part of visiting Austin.

 

Eric Peterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was your favorite panel and why?

My favorite panel was about personal branding, called “CEO of You 2.0 – Analyzing Your Digital Brand for Future Success.” The speaker, Jason Mollica, from American University explained that it is okay for you to have interests and for them to be evident on your social media channels, because it makes you seem more human, and potential employers want to hire real people, not robots. Having interests outside of work related things is normal and healthy.

What was one memorable quote from that panel?

Jason Mollica: “Give yourself permission to care and dont be afraid of your passions.” 

What schools did you meet?

Texas, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Tennessee, Purdue, Arizona State University, Biola University, Chapman, Brigham Young University.

 

What was the culture like?

This year’s National Conference ended up being the same weekend as the big music festival, Austin City Lights. So there was an element of excitement in the air itself. Anytime we left the hotel (which we mostly did for food) there were people in the streets, some dressed up so they could go to concerts and cowboy boots were everywhere too. We explored 6th street and Congress street, found the Museum of the Weird, The Jackalope Dive Bar, and the Bat Bar, we sang karaoke and played pool, met new people, and networked extensively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather compared to Cali?

It was a bit hotter than home and certainly more humid, It even rained while the sun was shining which was a strange experience to be sure for this California Boy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View from Hotel

 

Any sightseeing worth mentioning?

6th street, Museum of the Weird, Voodoo donuts and congress street were all interesting places that were close to the Hilton Hotel where we stayed. Austin City Limits brought in tourists from around the country and they were out in force at all hours of the day and night. So the people watching on 6th Street was great. I was really bummed I had to cut my trip short because the largest bat colony in North America with over 1.5 million bats is in Austin and I wanted to go see the bats fly out from under the bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is something valuable you took from attending National Conference?

“Don’t sacrifice Trust or Ethics for a quick win, it will haunt you forever.” – Jason Mollica

 

Tania Aureoles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another CSUF PRSSA member, had this to say about her experience. “Attending the National Conference was such a rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to make meaningful connections not only with members of my own chapter but also with members of other chapters as well as professionals.”

What was your favorite panel and valuable quote?

My favorite panel was (Meet the Living Legends) they were the Keynote speakers of the day. #PRLivingLegends

Ray Kotcher + Cheryl Procter-Rogers

 

Cheryl Procter – Rogers:

Have a Mentor

Build your Network

Be an Expert – Do research on your industry of choice!

 

Ray Kotcher:

Find a mentor and a sponsor. A mentor will advise you, guide you, and counsel you. A sponsor will help you on your path to move in the direction you want to go in.

What was the Gala like?

The Gala was a really nice experience. They had a great dinner following the opening awards ceremony. It was a great opportunity to celebrate all of the hard work and achievements of the winning PRSSA members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did you gain from this experience?

PRSSA National Conference allowed me the opportunity to meet with one of the most accomplished and well-respected men I have ever met. Robert Reich worked for multiple Presidential Administrations and is active in the world of politics and economics. Reich gave a great speech where he said, “Trust is your most precious commodity and if we don’t trust our entire system of communications we start losing the social fabric that ties us together and so you are given a wonderful position to carry this torch to tell your clients that truth and civility are the Hallmarks of a society. It is your social responsibility… you are the torch bearers of truth and civility in a country that is beginning to lose its way with regard to truth and civility you can begin to overcome the sources of separation and distrust and I hope that you do.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Conference 2019 will be in San Diego, California held by your very own CSUF PRSSA! So make sure to start saving up now for the amazing opportunity to connect with other Chapters and make valuable connections with professionals.

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Welcome to PRSSA!

Welcome to PRSSA!

For those of you returning, welcome back!

So you’ve joined PRSSA, now you’re probably wondering what happens from here. Well that’s what we’re here to help you with!

When I joined PRSSA as a transfer student, I was lost, confused and slightly panicking. It’s hard to be a transfer student and suddenly feel like you’re behind everyone else.

I went to the Kick-Off event and made a single friend who later that night introduced me to some of the Executive Board members. I learned more about the types of committees and the benefits of joining one. This excited me and encouraged me to get involved!

So I joined the Outreach committee! This committee had challenged me in so many ways. I had to meet new people and learn how to maintain conversations with people I didn’t even know. Daily email checks, classroom pitching, and tabling events became second nature to me. It was hard work, but I loved every second of it.

If you’re a bit unsure about joining a committee, think of it this way. Being on a committee can eventually lead to you taking that position over one day. Your future employer is going to see this on your resume and might even choose you over that other person who didn’t get involved at all.

Another recommendation: go to every event/panel you can! Not only do you get to hear from the professionals, you get to connect with them and other members. Trust me on this – connect and build relationships with these members. You never know when you’ll need some advice or even a helping hand when it comes to job options.

So get involved as soon as possible; don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! And the most important advice I can give you: have fun!

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So you’ve joined PRSSA, now what?

 

I’ve been there too.

I became an active member the Robert E. Rayfield Chapter of PRSSA just last semester and I had no idea where to begin. After attending multiple PRSSA events like the National Conference in Boston, Global Results Communications Bootcamp and every industry panel hosted at CSUF I was eager to gain some experience in the field.

So… I joined a committee.

I first joined the University Relations Committee in October. In my time there I was able to learn more about CICC, and I quickly realized the importance of facilitating relationships with other organizations on campus. While serving on the committee, we communicated with the other clubs on campus and prepared for our Conference, Next Generation PR.

There are many skills that I’ve learned as a committee member. To put it nicely, my email skills were lacking before I joined the University Relations Committee. I checked my emails maybe three times a week, and I had no clue how to use Google Drive to its full potential.

 

 

Once I joined a committee, Google Drive immediately became my best friend. My email competency and response time improved dramatically within the first few weeks alone.

After some time with the University Relations Committee, I decided to expand my skill set through new tasks by joining the Outreach Committee.

 

 

Though it is challenging at times, the experience of being part of the Outreach team is equally as exciting. I’ve had opportunities to network and connect with my fellow PRSSA members in new ways. From tabling at Homecoming and DiscoverFest, pitching our Chapter to communications classes around campus and preparing for Regional Conference, it’s been a wonderful learning opportunity (not to mention a great resume booster).

If you want to get the most out of your PRSSA experience, get involved. Join a committee. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see you running for the executive board in April.

 

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Holly Baird of Sitrick & Co. Sponsors CSUF PRSSA Student Membership

Holly Baird of Sitrick & Co. Sponsors CSUF PRSSA Student  Membership

 

Fullerton, CA, January 31, 2018 – California State University, Fullerton’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted “Launch Your Career: PRSSA 101” on January 31, 2018 to kick-start its spring semester. For the first time ever, a student’s membership dues will be sponsored by a CSUF Alumni through a social media contest.

 

“I’m honored to be able to provide this experience to the Public Relations students of CSUF,” said Member of the Firm, Holly Baird.  “When I met with the CSUF PRSSA group this past winter, not only was I impressed with the questions and engagement of the panel, I was even prouder to be a part of the Titan alumni family.”

 

Holly Baird joined Sitrick & Company in November 2005. Over the past 13 years, she has worked her way up the ladder earning a position as Member of the Firm.  Baird hosted CSUF PRSSA’s extremely exclusive and raved about the event, Fight or Flight: Crisis Communications event last November.

 

The sponsorship was announced during CSUF PRSSA’s kickoff event and is open to all students regardless of major.  The contest requires students to participate on Twitter by answering three questions from the CSUF PRSSA twitter page using the hashtag #csufprssaXholly between Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.  Applicants will need to submit a copy of their resume and a short answer of no more than 600 words on why they are the most deserving candidate and what their career aspirations are after graduation.

 

“My collegiate experience at CSUF provided me the background and foundation I needed to thrive in my career and I believe it’s an invaluable experience for the CSUF students to be able to participate in the public relations programs available to them,” said Baird. “I vow to do everything I can to ensure that any of the students in the PRSSA at CSUF are able to access the resources I have in my network.”

 

The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 9.  Applications are to be submitted by email to csufprssa@gmail.com with the subject line “csufprssaXholly” by midnight.

 

Please visit www.csufprssa.org to find out more information about becoming a CSUF PRSSA member or about upcoming events.

 

About The Public Relations Student Society of America at CSUF

The Public Relations Student Society of America at California State University, Fullerton is the premier organization for students to jump-start their careers in communications and public relations. PRSSA retains the highest membership of all PRSSA chapters on the West Coast and is the largest on-campus Student-run communications organization. PRSSA exposes our members to all facets and intricacies of the public relations profession across the spectrum by providing speaker events, career tours, mixers and more. PRSSA is the only organization affiliated with a professional chapter and is the only on-campus organization to offer a Student-run public relations firm that exposes students to real-world opportunities such as social media management, red carpets, writing and more.

 

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Media Contact: Andrew Vo at csufprssa@gmail.com

 

Writer: Daniel Trandell-Smoke and Nicole Freeman

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