Building Careers Beyond the Classroom: Erica Conde COM’27 on the Impact of Rutgers PRSSA
Erica Conde COM’27, president of Rutgers Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), is dedicated to assisting students in acquiring the professional connections, expertise, and self-assurance necessary to thrive in the public relations and communications fields.
Rutgers PRSSA provides its members with real-world work experience by hosting networking events, taking on work for clients, and managing the organization's student-run public relations firm.
In our Q&A, Conde discusses what makes Rutgers PRSSA an asset to students, how the organization prepares students for careers in public relations, and her vision for the chapter's future.
What do you think makes the Rutgers PRSSA chapter stand out when compared to other student organizations?
I think Rutgers PRSSA stands out because we have our own student-run firm within our organization. Through our firm, students gain the opportunity to work or intern with public relations companies and gain hands-on experience. We, as PRSSA members, support interns throughout their experience while also giving them the knowledge and guidance to succeed in their work. They can then take this knowledge and use it to land another internship or job after graduation. We help guide our members in learning about public relations and provide them with advice on how to maximize their experience as communication students here at Rutgers.
How does PRSSA prepare members for internships and full-time careers?
Our PRSSA members are prepared by learning different aspects of PR through club meetings, along with networking opportunities we offer when special guests working in the field speak at meetings. This helps members build skills and connections that will benefit them in their full-time careers.
For students who are nervous about networking, what are some strategies that have worked well for you?
For students who get nervous when it comes to networking, a few tips and tricks I can provide would be, if possible, before you meet someone, do research on who they are and what they do. Another tip would be to prepare a set of general questions that you can rely on if you get nervous on the spot. Most importantly, go in with an open mind. You don't know what doors this interaction can open for you or how valuable this connection could be; therefore, go in as yourself and be open to possibilities.
How has PRSSA helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world?
PRSSA bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world by giving students opportunities to apply what they learn in class to real client work, collaborate with peers, and network with professionals. It allows members to experience what a career in public relations looks like before they graduate.
How do you hope the organization continues to evolve as the communications industry changes?
I hope Rutgers PRSSA continues to be adaptable and forward-thinking as the communications industry changes. With new technologies like AI reshaping the field, we must give members opportunities to build the skills employers are looking for while emphasizing creativity, ethics, and authentic storytelling.
Learn more about the Rutgers Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.
