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Titan Public Relations Spotlight

One of the many opportunities offered by PRSSA is our very own student-run public relations agency held on campus. Titan Public Relations (TPR) provides members with the ability to get hands-on experience through working with peers in creating strategies, promotions and content for clients. 

Students gain experience in many different ways depending on what industry the client’s background and how they’d like to proceed with the team provided. This opportunity can greatly impact members ability to hone their skills in the PR industry, network with professionals and get a sense in which direction they’d like to pursue a career in! 

But in order to reap these benefits you have to act fast as there is limited space for applicants. In order to be a part of TPR first you have to be a PRSSA member, next you’ll have to wait for applications to open (follow our Instagram for updates), after applying you will have an interview to see where you fit amongst the rest of the applicants and clients. 

TPR prides itself on its purpose to connect, create, and communicate. They offer monumental experiences through pro-bono work while creating strategic guidance for their clients. The TPR agency supports its clients with complete services and strategies, such as: 

  • Social Media & Brand Management 
  • Outreach Campaigns 
  • Cross-Channel Marketing
  • Digital Communication 
  • In-Person Promotions And Much More! 

Titans Public Relations was founded by our very own CSUF Titan Aria Fadakar back in 2009. Arias focused on creating a hands-on, real-world experience in the PR industry. Since then, TPR has transcended and established itself as a highly respected and professional student organization at CSUF. 

We are proud of our members that have volunteered thus far and wanted to showcase two current members and their experience in TPR!

Ava Kendrena | CSUF Sophomore | TPR – Account Executive | Involved with TPR for three semesters

Alexus Alfaro | CSUF Junior | TPR – Account Coordinator | Involved with TPR for two semesters

What is Titan Public Relations in your own words?

AVA: “Titan Public Relations is CSUF’s student-run PR firm that allows students to get hands-on experience with real clients, broaden their network with their peers, and strengthen their general PR skills.”

ALEXUS: “Titan public relations is a nonprofit firm that helps students gain experience as a PR agent. Similar to a firm, they help a variety of clients from restaurants, the music industry, and local shops.” 

What has your experience been like being a part of TPR?

AVA: “I have had an absolutely wonderful experience being in TPR. I started in the spring of 2020 as an account coordinator for the TPR account. During that time, I learned how to make graphics and engaging social media content for the TPR social media pages. Now I am an Account Executive for the Lauretta Records account. I have loved working with Lauretta Records because I have had the opportunity to pitch to media outlets and strategize creative ways to boost exposure for their campaigns. I am happy that I am practicing these skills now because I feel like I will be more prepared when I enter my first job or internship.”

ALEXUS: “The firm all works together every week for two hours, and we each finish our duties on our own. I’ve helped amazing clients and will be attending a listening party next month with my current client, Lauretta records. It’s exciting work seeing the growth your client makes but also seeing improvements in yourself. The confidence and skills I nurtured will be used for the rest of my career.”

What type of work do members in TPR do?

AVA: “TPR members work with real clients, so their workload depends on what type of client they are serving. For example, my team heavily focuses on outreach and pitching to relevant audiences. On the other hand, my sister’s team (the Peacock nails team) mainly works on creating graphics and social media content for their client. Generally, however, all of the TPR teams are responsible for making a communications plan for their client, and they all need to be in constant communication with one another to be sure that they are on track and completing their projects in a timely and efficient manner.”

ALEXUS: “Students have the opportunity to learn all aspects of working in a PR firm like the tedious paperwork but also content creation. You’ll learn the research needed for a Comm plan, perform outreach, and become familiar with editing software like Adobe and Canva.”

What are some challenging yet rewarding parts of TPR?

AVA: “One of the main challenges of TPR is maintaining a balance with your TPR projects and your schoolwork. Sometimes the work can start to pile up, which is why it is so important to manage your time wisely and stay organized. Even in moments when the workload can get overwhelming, it is always so rewarding to see what you and your team accomplish. If you are serving your client to the best of your ability and working diligently with your team to help the client reach their goals, the workload will be manageable and satisfying to see your hard work pay off.”

ALEXUS: “As a full-time student, time management and staying organized can sometimes be a challenge. This semester I work with a very involved client who we meet with bi-weekly. It’s a challenge to finish our work before each meeting, but the collaborative effort has made the process fun and resembles a real client relationship.”

Would students benefit from joining TPR?

AVA: “Students would definitely benefit from joining TPR!!! As I mentioned before, TPR is an amazing gateway into the world of PR before you start a job or internship. The experience of being in an environment with like-minded peers and working with real clients has helped me exponentially in feeling confident in my communication and general PR skills. The hands-on experience is also helpful to apply the material you learn in the classroom to real-life scenarios.”

ALEXUS: “Yes, of course, students would benefit, especially communication majors, as it preps you for your Capstone by teaching you how to write a Comm plan. I’ve met very similar-minded students who are ambitious and who I’ve learned from. It exposes you to students who are following a similar path, and they can help you in your academic journey as well.”

Does being a part of TPR correlate with your desired career?

AVA: “Yes, it does! Being in TPR has helped me figure out that being a publicist or an account executive is something that I want to do in the future. Also, working with a record label as a client this semester has helped me decide that working in the music industry is something that I may want to consider more seriously post-graduation.”

ALEXUS: “Absolutely, once I joined, I learned how to work on a website and increase engagement. It’s exposed me to a lot of learning and networking opportunities, some of which were hosted by other PR firms that offered internships. It’s a great way to learn but also build relationships with those in my desired field. The skills I learned in TPR gave me the faith that I’ll perform well as VP of Professional Development for PRSSA.” 

What are some key takeaways from being in TPR?

AVA: “The key takeaways that I have gained from being in TPR are that you do not have to have a lot of experience going in, and you will learn a lot along the way. Another takeaway is that TPR will force you to be a better communicator, it will help you learn to work well with a team, and it will help you develop your creative and critical thinking skills. Overall, I believe TPR has helped me build my professionalism, and I feel much more prepared to apply for jobs and internships because of my experience in TPR.” 

ALEXUS: “Although it can be frustrating being a student and worker, the knowledge and connections made in TPR are invaluable in my journey to my career. There is no harm in joining because it’s a semester commitment, and everyone there is so helpful. The executive directors and account executives are there to lead you in this new environment, so no experience is needed. PRSSA is a great way to learn from professionals, but TPR is a fantastic way to develop your skills as a professional.” 

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TPR holds onto the mission that CSUF Alumni, Aria Fadakar, founded. According to TitansPublicRelations.com, “His main goal was to create an environment for students to learn and understand how agencies operate by assisting nonprofit organizations, community members, and other companies.”

After reading the impactful experiences members shared, and the overview of TPR– we hope to motivate and inspire all Titans to consider joining Titan Public Relations and commence their journey in the world of PR. 

Author: Alan Morales

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Revealing the Enchanted Mystery

Author: Kevin Law

“The Forest is dark, dearie, The Forest is dark; The moment you think that you’re lost in the woods, then you are. Do not lose your way, dearie, Do not lose your way; The monsters are lurking not far from the path should you stray.” – Emory R. Frie.

We all can admit that it is a year full of heebie-jeebies, but the most beautiful thing is we “kinda” figured out not to lose our ways and get where we are today. We want you to come to the PRSSA’s Enchanted Spring Gala to laugh, enjoy, and disclose the mystery!

Gala means festive celebration and an opportunity to build personal or professional relationships with your peers, advisors, and someone who can help you grow or grow with you. This type of occasion may be new to you, or you feel intimidated. That’s okay. It does not mean that you need to go all out of your comfort zone. As long as you feel comfortable and have a wonderful experience with it, that is all that matters. If you keep on reading, this blog post will provide you with enough information and hopefully give you a sense of ease and excitement.

We have a wonderful opportunity to interview Kristine Pham, the VP of Events, and Elyssa Ruiz, the VP of Professional Development. Elyssa has been to PRSSA’s Spring Gala before and a few more with PRSA and other organizations. While Kristine and her committee are the backbones of making the Gala happen. This is what they had to say about the Gala.

Kristine Pham | VP of Events 

What is going to happen at the Gala?

At the Gala, we will commemorate any graduating seniors and honor PRSSA members for getting through this year. This year’s gala is finally coming back in person, and it is just like an event where we could come together, build more relationships, celebrate all of our achievements together with food and drinks, a beautiful balloon arch with the photo booth, and hear from our PR professional as well.

What is the timeline of the Gala?

The Gala starts from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m at the Titan Student Union, Pavilion A. The doors will close at 7:30 p.m. The guests can get appetizers, food, and drinks and find somewhere to sit with friends. The venue is decorated as an enchanted forest.

How did you come out with the enchanted forest theme?

When it comes to planning events, the first thing is to think about the color palette. I like sage green as the theme, so what goes with that? White, gold, and beige. Then what would match with all that? Enchanted forest vibes! Boom that is kind of it.

What are you most excited about the Gala?

Having the opportunity to celebrate our achievements this year and the time to wind down from this hectic semester. I am also very excited to hear from Dean Bey-Ling Sha. She is an icon.

Who are the guest speakers?

The dean of the college of communication, Dr. Bey-Ling Sha. She is very well-known in the communication world. So I am excited to hear encouraging words from her and whatever she will share. We will have our faculty advisor, Ken Hagihara, share a few words as well.

What is the dress code?

Business Casual. You can also dress up, go formal, semi-formal, or wear a gown. But it is up to the guest essentially.

What is the benefit of attending the Gala? 

You will hear from our guest speakers and meet the new executive board members. I think it will be an incredible experience to meet them, build relationships with them, and hear what they might have planned for next year.

Elyssa Ruiz | VP of Professional Development

How is your experience attending the gala in general?

They’re a lot of fun, but you have to go a little out of your way to network with people since you will sit at a table. You get to see your peers dressed up for more upscale events. Also, it’s just fun to celebrate the accomplishments you’ve had throughout your semester or with your peers.

What are the tips for establishing professional relationships during the Gala?

Get your Linkedin profile ready with the QR code. This is a pretty good option for getting to network with people quickly. Or, if you have time to order business cards, or if you already have business cards, I would say just keep them on hand and hand them out as you network.

What is the etiquette for the Gala?

In all networking scenarios, you need to take note of your environment. If people are communicating and there seems to be a more personal conversation, it might not be a great opportunity to jump into that conversation. But usually, you can tell if people are more open, like a circle of people. Another thing is the dress code. Don’t feel like you need to buy something to join the gala. It’s more so just to hang out with your peers. In terms of other etiquettes, just make sure you’re aware of the surroundings. You don’t necessarily want to jump in and derail their conversation if people are talking. It’s better just to wait your turn. Step away to another conversation or move to a different place, and circle back later on if you want to introduce yourself to that person.

What would you do to prepare yourself for the Gala?

Elevator pitch. What will you say if you step into an elevator with someone and want to introduce yourself to this person, and you only have 10 seconds? At the Western District Conference, one of the panelists shared that you should include a purpose statement in your elevator pitch. You should boil down precisely what you want to get out of your career. For example, I would say, “Hi, my name is Elyssa Ruiz. I am a public relations professional, and I am looking for work in the creative field, either photography or graphic design since those are my passion.” Rehearsing is a great help too. I still rehearse what I will say when I’m about to meet someone. So if you have that down for yourself, I think that’ll make you more confident with introducing yourself to other people, especially new people.

How did the Gala experience help you in your professional and personal life?

From my experience, going to the gala, you can connect and talk about things that you might not usually speak with your peers due to the time constraint of the class. Also, it is a great way to break the ice with the people in your class that you have never spoken to because you already have that common thing since you are from the same class.

Favorite moments and memories from the Gala?

Connecting with many great friends at the Gala and taking photos together was an awesome opportunity.

Any last advice?

When you’re stepping into a gala, you’re probably just like a nerd to talk to other people as other people are to speak to you. If you are willing to take that confident first step of introducing yourself, it will make you all the better for it. Also, if you rehearse enough, I think you would be confident to introduce yourself to other people you have never spoken to. Just because any connection can be a good connection, that isn’t to say you always have to be connected to them down the line.

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What To Expect For This Year’s Western District Conference

The Cal State University, Fullerton’s PRSSA chapter is excited to present our district conference, focused on; Breaking Barriers: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The theme for our regional conference will address some of the recent challenges being faced by today’s communications professionals and will be held virtually on April 8th – April 9th; from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the past years we have seen corporate social responsibility rise dramatically due to performative activism cases and companies lacking equity strategies. Now we’re seeing exciting new career opportunities within the communications industry revolving around D&I, and this conference is going to teach you how to be part of that in different ways! Through our discussion of diversity in the communications sphere, we will be touching on some amazing topics in the PR world; crisis communications, agency versus corporate life, social media careers, and more.

Attendees can look forward to incredible speakers tuning in from across the nation discussing all aspects of DE&I in the Communications sphere, as well as exciting communications tools and knowledge from their work in the industry

They’ll be teaching us about:

  • Career advancement strategies and insight.
  • Networking tips and tricks.
  • Social media management and career opportunities.
  • Crisis communication strategies and case studies.
  • Professional conflict resolution approaches.
  • And MORE!

Attendees will dive deep into each session with established professionals that will help visualize and simulate real world experiences all while answering your burning questions.  

This will be a large-scale event and allows networking opportunities across numerous chapters and universities. This event is open to CSUF PRSSA members and non members, as well general students and other PRSSA Chapters across the nation! We feel that what we have to offer our attendees is invaluable to their professional journey; and the exclusive tips, tricks, and insight that will be shared will benefit students and professionals alike.

On top of value, accessibility was also at the top of our list. We chose to partner with Hubilo in creating an accessible, customizable, virtual setting that will make for a new and immersive way to learn and network. Some exciting things you can expect from Hubilo are; 

  1. You’ll have access to a virtual briefcase in which you can take notes comfortably during the conference, never having to leave the platform! Your notes will be saved at the end of the day to keep all of your newfound knowledge in an easily accessible format. 
  2. LinkedIn Connection + Virtual Conference Badge. Upload your headshot, socials, and connect your LinkedIn to easily network with peers & professionals! You will be able to make an individual conference badge complete with 10 banners to choose from as people view your profile throughout the day.
  3. Virtual Lounge & Booths. Enter our virtual lounge each day, and hop in & out of networking booths between each session. Meet students and professionals from across the nation; 1 on 1, or in a breakout group!
  4. Interactive surveys and polls to participate in throughout the day!

And more! 

Again this is a two-day event and tickets will be limited, thus it is strongly recommended to register while you can! Here is the link to purchase your ticket before they sell out.
Follow us on our Instagram @CSUFPRSSA, as we will have more updates about the conference. If you have any questions feel free to DM us there, or send us an email at CSUFPRSSA@gmail.com,  and we will get back to you shortly.

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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: CALEENA SUGIHARTO

What is your name, age, and major?

Caleena, 21, communications (with an emphasis in public relations)

How long have you been at CSUF?

This is my second and last year at CSUF.

How long have you been a part of PRSSA?

Since I started going to CSUF (Fall 2020).

Why did you join PRSSA?

I transferred in the middle of the pandemic so I knew I had to make the most of my time here. Especially since everything was online and there was nothing else to do, I figured what excuse do I have not to join? It’s a great opportunity and I can make friends, so I joined.

What is your position in Titan Public Relations? What do you do?

I’m one of the Executive Directors of TPR–the other ED is Stephanie Rodriguez. Essentially, we run the agency. As ED’s we’re responsible for getting clients for each semester and reaching out to students to join. We meet with possible clients before the semester starts and make sure their goals will help our students. We also interview all the students who apply so we can understand what they hope to get out of TPR and make sure the account they’re on gives them the experience they can’t get in the classroom. Over the semester, we make sure every team is on route to achieving their goals and getting all the deliverables to their client. It may be student-run, but TPR is real-world experience.

How has PRSSA prepared you for that role in TPR?

It’s introduced me to so many brilliant people that inspire me to be the best person I can be. I’ve been so lucky to have connected with some of the most talented and amazing people because of PRSSA and TPR, and I’m so grateful I get to learn and work with them.

Why would you recommend PRSSA and TPR to other students?

Absolutely! I’ve never been anything else like it. All the students you meet in PRSSA and TPR are motivated, passionate and eager to learn.

What has been your fondest memory in PRSSA?

Meeting my client and part of my team for TPR in-person for the first time. I had met them all online before, but seeing them in-person was really exciting because they were the first people I had ever met since transferring to CSUF.

How has the pandemic impacted the way you have interacted with PRSSA benefits and meetings?

Honestly, if it weren’t for the pandemic I may not have been as active as I am in PRSSA. I was introduced to it during the pandemic and had only interacted through virtual means until this semester. Online can be hard, especially when Zoom Fatigue hits. But it definitely has its perks, like being able to connect with people from all over the world from the comfort of your own home and waking up five minutes before your online class. Personally, I was able to participate in online mentorships, including the DKC Mentorship last spring, which eventually led to an in-person internship opportunity I did over the summer.

What is one tip you would give an incoming freshman or transfer?

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. There are so many people who are scared of mistakes (and the letter F) and forget the entire point is to learn from mistakes. In my opinion, your time in college sets you up for the next chapter of your life. You’ll make tons of mistakes along the way and you may fail, but keep learning and keep going. Use this time to gain as much experience as you can and figure out what you’re really passionate about.

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

I switch between TikTok and Instagram the most. I love TikTok just a little more only because of how small things like surprising your boyfriend or rushing for a sorority can turn into this huge inside joke everyone is in on (i.e. Couch Guy and Alabama RushTok). It kinda makes the world even smaller and for some weird reason I find that comforting. Bringing up a current TikTok trend is slowly becoming one of my favorite icebreakers.

Where do you see your career taking you after graduation?

I don’t mean to sound all hippie-dippy, but if the pandemic has taught me anything it’s to go with the flow. Whether I start out at an agency or in-house, I’ll be happy doing anything that allows me to continue to keep learning!

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Tips & Tricks to Finesse Your Future Interview!

Here’s a couple of tips sourced from educational influencers and TikTok creators, that will help you stand out when applying to jobs!

First, let’s take a look at the style of resume that you chose and decide what’s best for your goals. On one hand, we have the traditional style that almost everyone starts with and uses. There’s nothing wrong with this style, in fact many jobs will prefer that you have as much detail, with the simplest layout in the resume as possible! On the other hand others may argue that a colorful, modern-styled resume will help you stand out from the bunch, especially when applying to more creative careers in the communications field. The most important part in your decision is to make sure that your resume reflects your professional vision! Once you have your main points solidified, you can always change your resume slightly to fit the job you’re going for. Remember to keep it organized, keep it clean, and highlight your skills!. You can find templates for different styled resumes on Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and you can even find some free ones on Canva.com.

The next step is to take a closer look at the content on your resume. Sometimes the vocabulary that’s used can be repetitive for the employer. Just imagine how they must feel reading the same phrases over and over again! So how can you differentiate yourself from other candidates by using just words? Elevate the language that you use to describe the skills you already have! For example, if you are looking to get your first entry-level position in your professional field of choice, but are worried about a lack of relevant experience, the best thing you can do is re-word your skillset! For example, according to @erinmcgoff these are some lines that can help you take your resume to the next level;:

  • Did you ‘work the cashier’, or did you master the POS (Point of Service) system to handle payments ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per shift.
  • Did you ‘make food’ or have you prepared raw food materials to cook over 30 menu items to feed 1,000-3,000 customers per day.
  • Did you ‘follow covid protocol’ or did you uphold all local COVID-19 safety protocols including increased sanitization, enforcing mask policies and ensuring a limited capacity.

Although we may have started with  jobs not necessarily in our field of choice, that doesn’t mean that the work that we did should go unnoticed! All of these skills and more lend themselves to customer service, being front-facing and able to handle crisis’ under pressure, as well as showing strong leadership; all of which are important skills to have in the communications industry.

Finally,  let’s talk about the end of the interview. A lot of times an interview will end with the employer asking you if you have any questions for them – and YES, it’s always important to ask questions. Asking a question is a great way to gauge whether or not the interviewer is interested in you, and show your passion for the position. It can be about the interview itself, competitors, or company environment/requirements. One great question suggested from @allifromcorporate0 on Tik-Tok asks “How would you define success for this role within the first 30, 60 and 90 days?” Another question that can help pinpoint what the employer is looking for  in an interview round comes from @johnsfinancetips, ”Based on the conversation today – what hesitation do you have for me moving forward in the interview process?” 

Here’s a bonus tip on answering the infamous “Why should we hire you” question – to which you should respond with whatever their requirements were for the position. So if they were looking for someone with specific skill sets or experience in a certain area you can reiterate that information directly from your resume and add some of your own ambitions into the mix. 

Now that you have an idea of how to prepare and showcase your skills , it’s time to apply it to the real world and see if the job hunt ends a little earlier!

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Post-Pandemic PRSSA; Is It Worth It?

So you decided to get involved with PRSSA- but you’re skeptical on how we’re operating through  Covid-19 restrictions. You may be wondering, is it worth it?

Well, fret no more because I am here to tell you, YES! PRSSA is back and better than ever. We wanted to make sure that our members truly get a ‘bang for their buck’ when they purchase a membership, so we’ve taken the time to ensure that PRSSA is as beneficial as possible, and we have so many different opportunities planned for this year!  Being a part of PRSSA  will become one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have here at CSUF; it’s not only an investment in your education, but it’s an investment in your future. The “value” can be interpreted through the determination of our current members and the hard work of our alumni. Because of their dedication to our Chapter, we are recognized as the leading pre-professional organization for students to jump-start their careers in the public relations industry. Don’t believe me? Check out our awards section with our most recent award for Outstanding Chapter handed down from PRSSA National!

The quality of PRSSA remains the same as always, at the peak! We have amazing resources at your disposal, we just need one key ingredient, YOU. We still provide the same benefits as past years- although some may have slight modifications for the safety of our members. We incorporate Zoom sessions for accessibility and safety, but we also have in-person meetings for those that are willing to participate responsibly. By joining PRSSA you’ll still have the ability to get the same level of experience as we’ve always offered, and even more. Whether you plan on attending our panels or workshops, or if you’re hoping to get involved with our mentorship programs and conferences, we can’t wait to show you all that we have to offer this year.

And for those wondering about Titan Public Relations, our student-run firm- applications are now open, and we have lots of exciting clients for you to get to know. If you would like to see some of our past clients check out the TPR website, https://www.titanpublicrelations.com/ and consider applying while applications are open. We also had the opportunity to help some local businesses out in their time of need during the pandemic. If you need a refresher, check out our mention in the Daily Titan for our ‘Tuff It Out Campaign,’ to check out the work that some of our members did throughout the pandemic. Again please consider applying to TPR before applications close on 09/08/2021 at 11:59 PM. If you’re looking for a different way to get involved, consider joining a committee through our website or Instagram bio, @CSUFPRSSA. Through our committees, you’ll be able to work directly with our Executive Board, and aid them in creating content, launching campaigns and other programming, writing blogs, and more!

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Spring 2021 Semester Overview

May 21, 2021 | By: Analleli Penaloza

It’s been a whirlwind of a year amidst CSUF’s transition to virtual learning, but it’s finally coming to an end.  Over the course of this semester, we’ve come together as a chapter and adapted, developed and triumphed!  

To celebrate the semester coming to an end, I’ve provided a brief outline of CSUF PRSSA’s spring accomplishments.

Board Position Elections

As the school year ends, CSUF’s PRSSA chapter held executive board elections to select new members for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. People interested in obtaining a leadership position on the board were required to attend at least one of three open board meetings and read about  board member position requirements. After submitting an application, the executive board reviewed each application and members were required to be interviewed by the President, Incoming President and the board members of the position they were applying for. After the interview, the Executive Board created a nominating slate, detailing their recommended candidates for each position. On April 7th, applicants were then given 2 minutes to present a speech followed by a question and answer session open to the audience. PRSSA chapter members present at the Executive Board elections were able to exercise their right to vote for the  next executive board. On April 9th, the new executive board was announced to the chapter! 

Without further ado, here is the Executive Board for the 2021-2022 school year:

  • President: Emma Rowell
  • Vice President: Priyanka Jain
  • VP of Professional Development: Elyssa Ruiz
  • VP of Outreach: Cesar Villa
  • VP of Administration: Matena Jarjis
  • VP of External Digital Communications: Vianey Sanchez
  • VP of Internal Digital Communications: Tabby Rodriguez
  • VP of Sponsorships and Fundraising: Vicky Hernandez
  • VP of University Relations: Caleena Sugiharto
  • VP of Finance: Allison Ruiz

Congratulations to our new Executive Board!  We can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year!

The DKC x PRSSA Mentorship Program

The DKC x PRSSA Mentorship Program was established Spring 2021 and ran from February 5th to April 16th on a bi-weekly basis. DKC aimed the program towards connecting students with professional mentors in a highly interactive and engaging environment consisting of presentations and short assignments. Twelve PRSSA members were paired with mentors from DKC and learned about topics such as crisis communications and client management, and gained a greater perspective based on their mentors’ experiences. The program allowed members to network with industry professionals, their peers, and hone their public relations skills

I was among the 12 participants and can genuinely say that the program was unique and offered me new information and insight I never knew of beforehand. If you’re on the fence about joining a mentorship program, I would highly recommend that you do so!

Socal Coalition

This semester CSUF continued to participate alongside local PRSSA chapters from varying universities within Southern California in the SoCal Coalition, which was established during the Fall 2020 semester.  This spring, CSUF hosted their last PRSSA SoCal Coalition panel “Strategy and Storytelling” on April 14th, 2021. PRSSA members from chapters across the coalition attended to learn about PR efforts within the nonprofit and public sectors. 

Also, other chapters hosted their own panel events throughout the semester that coalition members were able to attend. One such panel  was CSUN’s PRSSA chapter, who hosted a tech panel and in attendance remained CSUF PRSSA members, joining in to take advantage of the virtual event.

Overall, the Socal Coalition was one of the most unique opportunities that came to fruition as a result of the pandemic and our resulting virtual semester.  It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen bonds across chapters that might otherwise never have been formed.  

Conclusion

This year it was a challenge to adapt to a virtual setting, but CSUF’s PRSSA chapter proved once again its ability to rise and overcome adversity.  Our chapter continued to provide quality events, programs, and learning opportunities.   I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

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The Importance of Adaptability in PR

May 10, 2021 | By: Cesario Mora

As aspiring PR practitioners, we have to embrace change with open arms. Admittedly, change can be scary. But to thrive in a competitive field that is constantly changing, we can’t be treading water. It’s sink or swim. Choose to swim! Adaptability is important when dealing with any unexpected change. Being able to adapt allows you to learn and develop new skills that you can apply to different areas of the field. You might be asking yourself: What are some changes I should expect to face in the PR industry? Here are a few examples how the skill of adaptability may come in handy:

1. Social Media 

Before there was Facebook, there was Myspace – an antiquated social media platform that was a national obsession in the mid 2000s. It was the only social media platform like it at the time that allowed people to stay connected and express themselves creatively via their profiles. Social media has evolved and expanded tremendously since then. Aspiring PR professionals should keep an eye out on the latest social media platforms and trends. Learning and adapting to different platforms will allow you to communicate with your target audiences more effectively, and perhaps even reach new ones.

2. Unexpected Crisis

Life can change at a moment’s notice. One day you are driving to CSUF and learning with a classroom full of people, and the next you are quarantined in your bedroom and learning over Zoom. In a crisis, PR pros have to be quick to adapt. Take the pandemic for example: the digitalization of the PR industry was something that every professional had to adapt to in response to this unexpected situation. While not all disruption may not be as grave as a pandemic, having the ability to adapt can help you overcome and mitigate a crisis. 

3. Social Change and Social Justice

America has a long history of systemic racism and inequality, and the fight for change is still long ahead of us. It is important for PR practitioners to be actively aware of the social injustices happening in the nation. Being well-informed on various social issues is critical if your client plans to show solidarity to those who are facing social inequity. An organization’s reputation is at stake if their attempt to show solidarity comes off inauthentic and/or tone deaf because they were misinformed. That is why experts in this field must be ready to adapt and grow alongside the nation.

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These were just a couple of examples of how you should be ready to adapt in an industry that is constantly changing. Being able to adapt with whatever the industry throws your way will allow you to navigate through unfamiliar terrain and overcome any unforeseen disruptions. It will keep you sharp and fresh, which will make you stand out in a competitive field. 

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Membership Highlight: Cesario Mora

What is your name, age, and major?

My name is Cesario Mora. I am 30 years old and I am majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations.

How many years have you been at CSUF?

A year and a half! I transferred in the Spring of 2020, and I will graduate this Fall.

How long have you been part of PRSSA?

I have been a part of PRSSA since Fall 2020.

How did you hear about the organization?

I had heard about this organization from one of my friends who is involved in PRSSA. When I revealed to them that I had decided on a PR concentration, they had encouraged me to join. And I am so glad I did!

What is your favorite part about PRSSA?

My favorite part is the wide variety of panels PRSSA hosts. Hearing from different panelists about their experiences in the industry is so inspiring and the insight that they offer is incredible.

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

My favorite social media platform is Instagram because I love spamming pictures of my dog for everyone to see. Also, I love how easy it is to spread awareness to different social issues via Instagram stories. It’s a great visual platform to stay connected and stay socially conscious.

Where do you see your career taking you after graduation?

I would love to work for a nonprofit organization. I want to ensure that my future is spent working on helping people, and I want to do whatever I can to better the world. Ideally, I would absolutely LOVE working for a nonprofit that helps LGBTQIA+ causes. As a member of the queer community myself, having the opportunity to work in an environment that strives in protecting LGBTQIA+ and their rights would be a dream.

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Why Collaboration is Key in PR

April 26, 2021 | By: Lauren Mann

         When it comes to working in public relations, collaboration is huge! In everyday life, working in a group helps you get jobs done and gain better insight and knowledge from others. Collaboration in public relations is no different! In a field that relies heavily on communication and networking, collaboration is not only a result of these concepts, but it’s also a key part in building and maintaining the relationships we develop on the way to success. As aspiring practitioners, it’s important to understand the value in collaborating early on so we can utilize it throughout our careers.

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         Here are some ways collaboration is key in public relations:

Networking

         One of the most critical aspects of public relations and perhaps the most obvious example of when collaboration comes into play is with networking. When clients hire us, it’s with the trust that we have the resources already available to us and we know what to look for and who to call all at our fingertips. The expectation is that you have developed relationships in order to collaborate on a campaign that fits your client’s needs. This could bebe knowing the perfect journalist to pitch to when it comes to covering your client’s debut release, or a marketing specialist that could contribute to your organization’s campaign vision. In the world of public relations, contacts can become a lifeline. These connections become a source of our credibility that help ensure our clients that we are more than capable of bringing the best team together to fit their needs.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

         Collaboration is also a key for gaining further insight on a field that is evolving by the day. While working in public relations can be exciting for the constant change, it can also be overwhelming trying to keep up. In a field that is so socially demanding, collaborating with others who specialize in certain areas of the industry, whether it be event planning, digital media, speech writing, etc.,  is what helps us grow as professionals. We’re able to learn more about skills and social trends in our industry by working together. Collaborating with other individuals with trusted skill sets is how we learn in a hands-on way and makes the adaptability that much more seamless.

Doing What’s Best for Your Client

         Finally, collaboration is the best way to ensure that your clients expectations are not only met but exceeded by drawing the perspective of multiple people. No matter how great we are at our jobs, it’s just as important to realize we can’t always do everything alone. Even if we don’t think we need it, sometimes getting the opinions of others can mean all the difference when it comes to creating a great campaign that really resonates with our public.

Overall, being comfortable collaborating is a great skill when it comes to expanding your public relations tool belt. As they say, team work makes the dream work!

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