Meet a club: NYU Public Relations Student Society of America

For a club all about networking, it is no surprise that its start was sparked by a connection.

In spring 2010, class of 2012 alumna Doreen Naor was prompted by fellow alumnus Natan Edelsburg, then president of the Communications club, to begin a chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America. Natan Edelsburg’s grandfather was head of Public Relations Society of America, the parent organization of PRSSA. The connection to the society propelled Naor to begin an NYU chapter for students.

For students interested in communications, the NYU PRSSA offers professional opportunities and a platform to talk and meet with like-minded individuals.

The club held its introductory meeting in the Kimmel Center for University Life in room 906 on Sept. 12. The club’s purpose is to introduce students at NYU to the professional public relations world.

“A lot of people think that [the club] is focused on public relations,” club president and Steinhart senior Shira Palka wrote on the group’s Tumblr page. “While in a sense that’s true, it can really be for anyone who wants to develop a career in…the communications realm.”

For its members, the club not only gives a venue to socialize, but also helps expose them to the professional world of public relations. Some of the club’s activities include: national competitions, guest speakers, exclusive internships and career forums. Last year, NYU PRSSA co-hosted its career forum with PRSA New York at NYU.

“As NYU does not offer Public Relations as an undergraduate minor, this organization provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internship opportunities and lectures from important figures in the industry. It’s been a great way to prepare for a future career in PR,” said Cara McMahon, Steinhardt senior and vice president of Professional Development.

This year, the club planned a few guest speakers from public relations firms such as Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn. Also, NYU PRSSA is planning a panel for Oct. 3 in Kimmel with speakers from Sony Entertainment and MTV for all NYU students.

“I would tell anyone who is interested in this field to come and get involved,” Palka said. “Because, honestly, the more people you meet now, the better chance you have of succeeding later.”