On Thursday, Oct. 03, PRSSA Sac State welcomed PR professionals to participate in a panel discussion to help educate members about the various opportunities available in the fields of Communications and Public Relations.
The panel consisted of Jordyn Anderson from Edelman, Christopher Navalta & Holly Hua from Ubisoft, Matt Lady, a freelance Digital Marketer, Erica N. Brown from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Daisy Castellon from Lucas Public Affairs. The panel provided members an insight into their respective fields, personal experience and some helpful tips.
Although each of the panelists have different responsibilities depending on the type of industry they work in, there was one thing they all agreed about: PR is a fast paced industry. Whether you work in crisis communication or work with people, such as Seth Rogan’s wife, everyday is different. In the field of communications, one must wear multiple hats. According to Navalta, the most effective way to be productive is by creating a to do list and prioritizing your work accordingly.
Our next question for the panel inquired about how they entered their respective industries and they all emphasized the role PRSSA/PRSA played in their lives and helped them achieve their goals. One of the most important things members learned from the panel was the importance of networking. It's very important to be involved in your community, NPOs, clubs, or anything that can help you put your communications skills to work, whether it be digital or face to face as the possibilities in this field are endless! “Your dream job hasn’t been made yet,” said Lady. Therefore, it is super essential to keep an open mind, take all opportunities to grow, be willing to learn new things and not be afraid of taking risks.
This wasn’t all the advice members received from our guests. They also provided us with important skills that they believe every person working in the field of communication should possess. Naturally, being able to communicate is the most important one. Whether it be verbal, nonverbal, or written. In this field, everyone should have a basic understanding of how to build relationships with clients, coworkers, and other people affiliated with the industry.
Other skills mentioned by the panel included things like: time management, stress management, prioritization, standing up for yourself, taking initiative, being able to compromise and only accepting work that is within your capabilities.
When asked about how they would have done things differently, Castellon mentioned she regretted not making use of her bilingual abilities. Being bilingual is a significant asset in the field of communications. They also gave us some insider tips of how the interview process works, mentorship, being fearless and taking all opportunities to expand our horizons.
The panel ended the night with them telling us about the differences in working for in house versus working for agencies and the skills needed to succeed in each of them. Panel also informed members of internship opportunities in there respective organizations. - Saniya Ali
The panel consisted of Jordyn Anderson from Edelman, Christopher Navalta & Holly Hua from Ubisoft, Matt Lady, a freelance Digital Marketer, Erica N. Brown from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Daisy Castellon from Lucas Public Affairs. The panel provided members an insight into their respective fields, personal experience and some helpful tips.
Although each of the panelists have different responsibilities depending on the type of industry they work in, there was one thing they all agreed about: PR is a fast paced industry. Whether you work in crisis communication or work with people, such as Seth Rogan’s wife, everyday is different. In the field of communications, one must wear multiple hats. According to Navalta, the most effective way to be productive is by creating a to do list and prioritizing your work accordingly.
Our next question for the panel inquired about how they entered their respective industries and they all emphasized the role PRSSA/PRSA played in their lives and helped them achieve their goals. One of the most important things members learned from the panel was the importance of networking. It's very important to be involved in your community, NPOs, clubs, or anything that can help you put your communications skills to work, whether it be digital or face to face as the possibilities in this field are endless! “Your dream job hasn’t been made yet,” said Lady. Therefore, it is super essential to keep an open mind, take all opportunities to grow, be willing to learn new things and not be afraid of taking risks.
This wasn’t all the advice members received from our guests. They also provided us with important skills that they believe every person working in the field of communication should possess. Naturally, being able to communicate is the most important one. Whether it be verbal, nonverbal, or written. In this field, everyone should have a basic understanding of how to build relationships with clients, coworkers, and other people affiliated with the industry.
Other skills mentioned by the panel included things like: time management, stress management, prioritization, standing up for yourself, taking initiative, being able to compromise and only accepting work that is within your capabilities.
When asked about how they would have done things differently, Castellon mentioned she regretted not making use of her bilingual abilities. Being bilingual is a significant asset in the field of communications. They also gave us some insider tips of how the interview process works, mentorship, being fearless and taking all opportunities to expand our horizons.
The panel ended the night with them telling us about the differences in working for in house versus working for agencies and the skills needed to succeed in each of them. Panel also informed members of internship opportunities in there respective organizations. - Saniya Ali