CMU PRSSA to host speakers, prepare students for public relations careers
Students on the road toward a career in public relations, social media or entrepreneurship should consider the PR Highway.
The spring conference, hosted by the Central Michigan University Public Relations Student Society of America, will be held April 11 in the Bovee University Center.
Shelby Paul, vice president of professional development, said too often students will see the PR label on a conference or event and assume it will have nothing to offer them, but that is far from the truth.
“It’s not just for PR students,” Paul said. “It is for anyone who wants to know anything more about social media and rebranding.”
The conference will provide attendees the option of choosing certain seminars to go to, each of which represent a different path or “highway” that one can take in the field of public relations.
Additionally, the conference will host several guest speakers to elaborate on topics such as media relations, crisis communication, tourism and rebranding. Speakers include representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Identity PR and president of BIGGBY COFFEE, Michael McFall.
Speaking of his experience with the Pure Michigan Campaign will be Dave Lorenz, who works for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
“I heard (Lorenz) speak on campus about a year ago and his speech was phenomenal,” Paul said. “I’m excited for the lineup this year. It’s pretty well-rounded.”
Paul emphasized the importance of students using the conference to get to know their peers better in a setting outside the classroom. She said many of those who attend the conference face the possibility of someday being interviewed by other attendees or speakers when they enter the workforce.
“I think the networking aspect of this conference is huge,” she said.
Tickets for this year’s PR Highway conference are $15. The fee includes admission to the conference, as well as a buffet lunch. Students can continue to register through the CMU PRSSA website until April 7.
