Members Benefits
Student-Run PR Firm
Our award-winning PR firm PRSC is entirely student-run and provides members with real opportunities to learn and practice critical PR skills outside the classroom. Students work on PR and marketing campaigns in real-time for clients ranging from local restaurants and student films to internationally recognized brands. Some of our past and present clients include Warner Bros Discovery, Apple TV+ and NASCAR. Applications for PRSC open at the beginning of each semester and members of any class standing and level of experience are encouraged to apply.
Agency Tours
The best way for students to experience life at a PR agency is to get a peek inside. We bring members to leading agencies across Los Angeles to meet their teams and learn what it’s like to work at an agency. Our last tour was with the Ayzenberg Group, an advertising and marketing firm in Pasadena specializing in the video game market!
Speaker Panels and Networking Events
No matter what your field of interest is within the PR space, we’ve got you covered. We regularly host speaker panels where we bring in top PR pros from different industries to give members a look into their field of expertise. Moderated by PRSSA officers, attendees have the chance to ask panelists their own questions in a Q&A at the end. Past panels include Sports, Lifestyle, Entertainment and more. We also hold networking events where we invite several alumni to come and chat with members in a speed-dating-style session.
Skill Workshops
Each fall, we hold a series of PR skill workshops called “masterclasses” where professionals, interns and PRSSA upperclassmen teach members critical industry tools that aren’t often taught in the classroom. Previous topics include resumes, cover letters, interviews, email newsletters and portfolio sites.
Career Opportunities
Aside from numerous networking opportunities with potential employers, members have access to the PRSA Jobcenter and Internship Center where you can explore career opportunities targeted at PRSSA members. Members also have access to the exclusive USC PRSSA LinkedIn group where we share internship and job opportunities as well as guest speakers’ contact information.
Mentorship
Our mentorship program allows members to connect with each other socially and build their professional networks. At the beginning of the year, we pair underclassmen with upperclassmen and grad students based on personal and professional interests. Mentorship pairs connect throughout the year with fun and engaging events and competitions, becoming friends and peers. Applications for the program open in the fall.
Bonding Events
What better way to get to know our community than with fun social activities? We hold a wide range of events from mixers to Hollywood movie premieres where members can meet each other in a non-professional setting. We’re also very close with our fellow SoCal chapters including Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly Pomona, and we plan at least one social event with them per semester. Last year we had a beach bonfire and went to an LA Angels game together!
Scholarships and Awards
PRSSA members have exclusive access to award recognition and some scholarships through the PRSA Foundation and priority consideration for other scholarships, such as the PRSA-LA Scholarship. Scholarship and award applications generally open and close in the spring.
Leadership Positions
One of the best ways to get involved with our chapter is to join our Executive Board. Officers on the Board are responsible for keeping our chapter up and running with roles ranging from managing finances to alumni outreach. Positions include President, VP of Internal Affairs, VP of External Affairs, Director of PR, Director of Outreach, Director of Professional Development, Treasurer, Secretary and Social Media Manager. The recruitment process for each school year takes place at the end of the previous year, with officers finalized in April. Executive Board members have the opportunity to attend the PRSSA International Conference (ICON) and the National Leadership Assembly.
Post-Grad Support
Our parent organization, PRSA, makes it easy for students to transition from our chapter to theirs upon entering the workforce.
