I’m sure many of the public relations professionals out
there know about and are a part of the Public Relations Society of America
(PRSA). If you’re in the PR business or are aspiring to be, I highly suggest
that you visit the trade association’s website to see all of the great things
they have to offer.
For starters, I recommend that you become a member of
the trade association because there are a number of different benefits. First
off, by becoming a member of PRSA, your professional value and credibility are
greatly improved. PRSA has created a Code of Ethics that all PR
professionals should live up to and guarantees a standard of success for PR
practitioners across the board. In
addition, PRSA offers professional accreditation through their Accredited in
Public Relations (APR) credential.
Second, PRSA is constantly posting articles and screening
webinars that offer professionals a chance to stay current on upcoming strategies
and trends. According to the website, members will now have access to more than
50 webinars in 2012, all for free. PRSA makes it easy to do research as well with
their members-only database of case studies, articles and research.
Last, PRSA offers incredible networking opportunities. There
are more than 50 different chapters across the country that allow you to
connect with local professionals in your area. In addition, you can join
specific Professional Interest Sections. Sections cover nonprofit, employee communications, travel & tourism,
new professionals and more. Membership with PRSA also includes access to the
PRSA Jobcenter that offers career advice and job openings.
If you are currently in college you should check
out if your school has a student chapter, or Public Relations Student Society
of America (PRSSA). If they don’t, consider starting one yourself. Once you
graduate you’ll be able to join PRSA at a discounted rate.
