Grand Valley State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA) has recently won four awards for their outstanding impact in the community. The club strives to help organizations and individuals establish mutually beneficial relationships with the public. As a result of its members’ hard work and success, the club earned the Pacesetter award in November and December of 2018 and January and February of 2019. 

The Pacesetter award is given by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to chapters based on their success in areas of membership, national participation and chapter development.

GVPRSSA has led a session on intentional inclusion at GVSU’s annual teach-in and has made efforts to make their membership more diverse. This has been a major contribution toward winning the Pacesetter award, along with their national participation at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

“We won for our national diversity initiative and for our participation at this year’s North American International Auto Show,” said Vice President of PR for GVPRSSA Brooklyn Wilson. “We had special access during industry preview week and had the opportunity to meet with the PR teams for the show.”

The club not only received the Pacesetter award, but was also recognized on Feedspot for their podcast called ‘PR Hangover’. Their podcasts discuss ethics of public relations, diversity in the field, PR in the different industries and even mental health. 

“We have great speakers and great conversations that are really informative for both students and professionals,” Wilson said. 

GVPRSSA helps students develop professionally by bringing in speakers to discuss various topics, holding network events, offering skill-building opportunities and touring PR agencies.

“Our goal is to better prepare students for life after graduation by giving them real-world experience and knowledge that can’t be gained in a classroom,” Wilson said. 

When working with professionals, students have the opportunity to gain connections in the industry. It offers opportunities that cannot be given in the classroom. 

“It really sets you apart from other PR students or job applicants when applying for jobs post-graduation,” Wilson said. “You can develop your skills to stand out from the other competition by getting involved and taking on leadership roles”

Arguably the most unique aspect of GVSU’s Public Relations program is their student-run PR firm, Grand PR, where students have real clients whom they complete projects for. Students have to be hired for their positions, so it’s an accomplishment and honor to be a part of the team. 

If students are looking to pursue a career in Public Relations, GVPRSSA is a stepping stone to do so. The program prepares students for their future careers in PR and helps members make connections in the industry.

“Many of our members get their internships or first jobs from the connections they made with professionals at our workshops, agency tours, networking events or speakers at our meetings,” Wilson said. 

GVPRSSA’s goal is to have more people join their club, to help improve their skills and impact the lives of others while doing so.