Connect with an Alumnus

“Joining PRSSA was the first time I’d ever been a part of any school organization, but felt it would be a great way to meet some fellow communications/PR majors who shared similar goals and interests. It did not disappoint. I met some really amazing people who each brought interesting perspectives to each of our discussions. My favorite moment was our trip up to San Francisco, my first time in the Bay Area. We all traveled up north to attend a PRSSA conference together. We bunked up in rooms, attended learning sessions, mixers and dinners. We had the best time and felt incredible pride being there representing CSUN.“

I didn’t move far! I still currently reside in Northridge, just about a mile from the CSUN campus. I enjoy hiking with my family (we have so many great trails around the San Fernando Valley and LA areas!), camping, wine tasting and watching my son play soccer. 

I would encourage everyone currently working towards their degree to explore internship opportunities before graduation. Not only will you get the chance to test out your skills, you’ll be able to explore different industries and discover what you’re passionate about without the long-term commitment. I did at least two internships before graduating, one at one of the big global PR agencies under their public affairs team and one at a small boutique firm focused on live entertainment. Two very different experiences, but each being super valuable as I learned to navigate being in a professional environment.”

“My journey with CSUN PRSSA began my second semester of junior year after a club member made a presentation in one of our classes highlighting all the benefits of joining PRSSA. Searching to be more involved at CSUN while furthering my knowledge and experience in PR, CSUN PRSSA was the perfect match for me. After attending the first few meetings, I was beyond thankful to have learned so much from the expertise and experiences shared by the wonderful PR Professionals who took the time to share their knowledge with us. I was able to seize my 1st  internship opportunity at a boutique agency firm from networking with the CEO at one of the meetings.  

After my successful first semester in PRSSA, I was extremely motivated to be a part of the Executive Board. I started my senior year as the Director of Events, in which I had the pleasure of coordinating events & agency tours, planning fundraisers, and scheduling guest speakers to attend our weekly meetings. In this short time, my involvement helped me gain the confidence to lead, network, and create opportunities for others which lead me to have the honor of serving as President of CSUN PRSSA to conclude my undergrad career.            

I encourage all PR/journalism students, and even marketing and communication students, to consider joining CSUN PRSSA, as you are able to network with like-minded colleagues, enhance your college experience, and gain the confidence to graduate feeling prepared to succeed in your professional career. These experiences widened my educational reach and helped me realize the desire to continue learning and expand my knowledge even further. I am now in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Business Administration, where I hope to apply all I’ve learned about public relations and apply it to my business prospects.”

“My favorite thing about PRSSA was having a community to go to with questions and to learn about the field. I was Director of Member Services and Vice President of PRSSA. My internships during college were in automotive/lifestyle PR, and then when I graduated I found my current job in entertainment PR. My favorite hobbies are reading, going out to explore places in LA with friends, and binging on new TV shows. I currently live in Los Angeles.

Participating in PRSSA was one of the best decisions I made for my future. I got to learn a lot about different types of PR and it shaped my understanding of the industry. You find a community and get to talk to professionals who’ve been through the same process you’re going through now.

My advice is to explore all your options. Definitely don’t rule out something too quickly, you never know where the opportunity could take you. Do your best to network with people and keep the relationships because they can be helpful in the future.”

“CSUN '19 Bachelors of Arts - Journalism with PR Emphasis and a minor in Marketing. Member of PRSSA from Fall 2016 to Spring 2019. In 2018-19, I was the Director of Editorial Services, and I won the PRSSA Golden Key in July 2018. 

I loved my internships during college! I had the opportunity to intern at CBS, FOX, 20th Century Studios and NBCUniversal and work on campus in the Marketing & Communications department for two summers. I, also, was a member of the National Millennial Community and traveled to NYC and San Francisco in Fall 2018. My favorite hobbies are going to the beach, going to theme parks, and attending concerts. I currently live in Santa Clarita, CA. Upon graduation, I got a full-time job at CMPR here in LA. I am a PR Coordinator.

PRSSA was everything I ever wanted and more while I was in college. I loved having a cohort of people who were enthusiastic about PR as much as I did. In PRSSA, you grow as a family and get exposed to professionals in the workplace that you would not otherwise get the chance to interact with within the class. The speakers and workshops are worth it alone to join on campus, but having a database to other professionals in the workplace and being connected to PRSA-LA is great as well. The networking mixers were always fun. If you have the opportunity to join PRSA-LA after graduation, please do so. 

Do an internship or two!!! PLEASE. I can't recommend that enough, I miss interning believe it or not! I had the time of my life doing so many internships and I was able to learn what I liked and what I didn't like. And, after graduation, don't take the first job that is offered to you. Explore your options. Look into trainee programs like at Rogers and Cowan, the Page program at NBCUniversal and CBS if you're interested in entertainment. There are a lot of options out there!”

“My favorite moment was the first meeting we had as a new e-board. Everyone was so eager to learn more and see what PRSSA can offer. We were able to do ice breakers since we had a full room of students. It was all-around exciting to see everyone expand their network. My career changed during college because I grew a new interest in PR and pursued it. It then changed after college because I got all this experience and applied it to what I do now. My favorite hobby or activity is spending time with my family and exercising. I work a lot so I like to take time out of my week to do these little things. I currently reside in California. 

My overall experience with PRSSA has been nothing short of amazing. I’m so grateful for my experience. I loved the meetings before I was on the board and continued to love them. People taught me so much and the relationships I got to build are still with me after graduation. PRSSA taught me how to push for better things in life. I want it to do the same for you, so let it. Let PRSSA help you. Go up to anyone and ask questions! There’s honestly no dumb question because our goal is to help you. 

My advice for the students would be to keep pushing. Doing this in a pandemic is not ideal. Trust me, I know. Reach out to anyone for help. If you’re struggling let us know. We want to help you, so let us. We want to be there for you, so let us. The best thing I did was take a risk on myself. That risk turned into a great job at a great company. Allow yourself to fail and learn and just dive into what you love. Always make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you do it. My last piece of advice would be to breathe, trust in yourself, and push yourself.”