Eastern Michigan University’s Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) is hosting its Student Development Conference on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 310AB in the university’s Student Center. This conference will be the hub for career advancement and networking opportunities for students at EMU.
All students are welcome and it is open to the public. Students can receive LBC credit for attending and get their personal headshots taken. In addition, food will be provided.
“The SDC will help benefit students and the public," Kathleen Inman, president of PRSSA, said. "Our conference is open to everyone and gives individuals a chance to learn about the different career paths while connecting them with professionals. The SDC also creates an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge outside the classroom and prepare for graduation."
With a lineup of esteemed speakers and insightful panel discussions, the SDC will give students an opportunity to connect with future contacts and potential employers. One of the highlights of the conference is the diverse range of speakers from renowned organizations. The event will provide speakers from the Henry Ford Health, EMU UACDC, Bosch, UofM School of Public Health, Ozone House, Airfoil, The Henry Ford and Ilitch Sports Entertainment.
"Our speakers have volunteered to come and speak to students out of love for the community and learning,“ Inman said. "Some of them are alumni of EMU and want to give back to the students. Others are just open to helping students succeed."
Each speaker will discuss various aspects of career development, public relations, community outreach, sports media, journalism, and the intersections of STEM and PR.
The event will kick off with the "Developing Your Professional World" panel from 11 a.m. to noon followed by "Public Relations and Community Outreach" from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. After a lunch break, attendees can engage in the "How to Win in Sports Media and Journalism" panel from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and conclude the day with a discussion on "The Intersections of STEM and PR" from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Attendees will also get the chance to ask the panelists questions during their Q&A.
EMU’s PRSSA has not had a Student Development Conference since the COVID-19 lockdown. This is their first conference held since then.
“Having this student development conference be held this year after not being able to due to the pandemic is...this is definitely a rekindling event,“ Nina Scarpelli, vice president of PRRSA’s social media, said. “Students at EMU will once again have the opportunity to explore, learn, and network with many professionals in various industries that they potentially can find themselves in.”
Anya Fuller, public relations student and general member of EMU’s PRSSA, is looking forward to this career development event.
“I am looking forward to networking with professionals and other individuals within my field,“ Fuller said. "I want to grow individually as a person, using any learned skills to increase my knowledge in public relations and move forward in the right direction."
Students interested in attending the SDC can fill out EMU’s PRSSA interest form
For further details and updates on the SDC, visit the EMU’s PRSSA website. Or, stay connected with event news by following their Instagram account @emuprssa.
