Emily Egan
Student Life Editor
Regarding PRSSA, the words small but powerful come to mind. Spearheaded by the club’s President and Vice President, seniors Francesca Palmeri and Emily Egan, PRSSA is a beneficial club many do not know the benefits of.
Headquartered in New York City, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) is a national organization for public relations officials. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is adjacent to the parent organization Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for public relations and communications studies students. PRSSA aims to connect students and industry professionals through hands-on conferences, internships, scholarships, awards, and other learning and leadership opportunities.
PRSSA has chapters at many Pennsylvania universities, including one at East Stroudsburg University. Students usually discuss networking opportunities, internships, and ways to connect with alums and outside companies at club meetings.
“In each meeting, we give students the assets and skills needed to hit the ground running professionally,” said Francesca Palmeri, PRSSA’s club president.
However, club members are currently taking on their most significant endeavor yet, hosting an academic conference.
In April, the PRSSA East Stroudsburg University Chapter will host an all-day networking event titled “Path to the Peak’” on campus.
The event will feature over 20 ESU alums and friends who are prominent in their field, whether that is in fields such as public relations, media, communications, and sports management.
Path to the Peak will feature many panels throughout the day, hoping that students and event attendees will learn something and provide professional growth. This event aims to create networking and learning opportunities for students on campus by fostering an open environment where students get to know alums and their friends.
“It will allow students to meet and network with alumni who are established the in the field,” said Palmeri. “Not only that, but they will be discussing their career journeys and tips that have helped them to succeed. Meeting and speaking with these alumni and having them as a resource is an amazing asset that every student should want to take advantage of.”
PRSSA is ultimately hosting this conference for ESU Students.
“The Path to the Peak Conference is important to plan for students because many students are overwhelmed and hesitant to enter the ‘real world.’ Speaking with people who are already there will help students learn and plan for their future,” emphasized Francesca.
Path to the Peak will be held on Saturday, April 15, in Beers Lecture Hall. The event requires registration but will be free for ESU Students. The event begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 5:30 p.m., with a networking dinner afterward available for a fee.
Email Emily at eegan@live.esu.edu