ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø students recently had the opportunity to take their communication skills off campus to the Conference, where they networked with professionals and explored potential career pathways.
The annual event brings together communicators and college students from across the Southeast for informative sessions on relevant industry topics, networking opportunities and cross-generational perspectives on public relations, communication and marketing.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter attends the conference every year. Advised by Dr. Kate Keib, associate professor of communication studies, PRSSA leverages OU’s Atlanta location to offer unique professional development opportunities to students.
Accounting major Matheus De Araujo ’29 took advantage of the chance to attend the conference and gained skills he can apply to his future career in personal injury law.
“The PRSA Conference was amazing and equipped me with a variety of different skills,” said the first-year student. “My biggest takeaway was seeing how essential PR is to create a truly great brand and profitable business, no matter the industry that you are in. PR is essential to making a business great.”
The conference proved invaluable for communication students, as they networked with seasoned public relations professionals from a wide range of industries who could offer career advice. Throughout the day, Maria Cruz ’27, an aspiring nonprofit marketer, learned the importance of flexibility and receptiveness in public relations careers.Â
“One key takeaway from the conference is the importance of approaching my professional journey with an open mind,” said the communication major. “Many of the speakers shared that they reached their current positions by gaining experience in a variety of areas rather than following a single, fixed path.”
By engaging with professionals and hearing firsthand about the adaptability of careers in public relations, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø students left the conference with industry insights and greater confidence. Through PRSSA and opportunities beyond campus, students are building the networks, skills and perspectives they need to navigate evolving careers and make a meaningful impact after leaving OU.
